April 18, 2025: The French Open 2025 will witness a special tribute to one of the greatest players to ever grace the tennis court—Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard, who retired in November 2024, will be honoured for his incredible legacy at Roland Garros, where he has cemented his dominance with a record 14 French Open titles.
Nadal, who is a two-time Olympic champion and a 22-time Grand Slam winner, will be celebrated during a ceremony on the opening Sunday of the 2025 French Open, which will take place on May 25 at Court Philippe-Chatrier. The event will take place following the day’s matches, and it promises to be an emotional tribute to the player who has become synonymous with the tournament.
A Historic Legacy at Roland Garros
Nadal’s impact on the French Open is unparalleled. His remarkable win-loss record of 112-4 at Roland Garros speaks volumes about his dominance on the Parisian clay. The Spaniard first lifted the trophy in 2005 and claimed his most recent title in 2022. His victory streak and unmatched mastery on the clay courts have left an indelible mark on tennis history.
Despite his last competitive appearance at Roland Garros being in 2024, where he lost in the first round to Alexander Zverev, Nadal’s presence continues to resonate strongly at the tournament. His performance at the French Open has earned him a special place in tennis folklore, and it is expected that this tribute will be one of the most touching moments of the 2025 edition.
A Surprise Ceremony
French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton expressed the importance of the tribute, calling it “a love story” between Nadal and Roland Garros. He said, “It’s a love story. I think it’s important to talk about a love story because he has deep respect for the tournament, for clay, and we have the same respect for the player, for the ambassador he can become for Roland Garros and for the federation.”
Amélie Mauresmo, the tournament director, also teased the ceremony, revealing that the specifics will remain a surprise. She acknowledged Nadal’s historical contribution to the French Open, stating, “Rafa has, of course, marked the history of Roland Garros in many different ways, and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequalled in a Grand Slam tournament. He will not be playing this year at Roland Garros, but he will be very present by our side for this 2025 edition. Rafa has an important bond with Roland Garros. We want it to be a surprise.”
The Ambassador Role
In recognition of Nadal’s lasting legacy, there are plans for him to take on an ambassadorial role at Roland Garros moving forward, serving as a symbolic figurehead for the tournament and the sport itself. The tribute to Nadal will be one of the many ways the French Open continues to honour its rich history and celebrate the contributions of its legendary players.
A Farewell to the King of Clay
Nadal’s French Open legacy is unmatched, and this tribute will mark another chapter in his journey. It’s a fitting way for the tennis world to express its admiration for a player whose achievements have transcended generations. The 2025 French Open ceremony promises to be an unforgettable moment in tennis history—one where fans, players, and the tennis community at large will gather to pay homage to a true legend of the sport.
As Nadal embarks on this new phase of his career as an ambassador, his legacy at Roland Garros will forever be etched in the annals of tennis history.