Rafael Nadal’s Tribute ‘Merci Rafa’ T-Shirts Fly Off Virtual Shelves at Jaw-Dropping Prices, French Chief Reacts

May 27, 2025: The French Tennis Federation (FFT) expressed disappointment after discovering that many of the commemorative ‘Merci Rafa’ T-shirts handed out during Rafael Nadal’s emotional tribute at Roland Garros are being resold online — some for exorbitant prices.

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On Sunday, 15,000 spectators at Court Philippe Chatrier received free T-shirts in various shades of orange and white, designed to form a giant mosaic spelling out ‘RG14’ — a nod to Nadal’s record 14 French Open titles. The shirts also bore the phrase ‘merci, Rafa’ and the date ‘25/05/2025,’ celebrating the legendary champion’s illustrious career.

However, within hours of the ceremony, listings for the T-shirts began appearing on resale platforms like Vinted and Leboncoin, with prices ranging from 150 euros ($170) to a staggering 500 euros ($569). Some sellers justified the high prices by citing the uniqueness and emotional value of the shirts, while others admitted they were simply trying to profit.

FFT president Gilles Moretton voiced his frustration during a Monday press conference: “What do you want me to say, that we shouldn’t have made them? Some people are trying to make money out of it… It’s a bit of a shame.” He added that it wouldn’t have been right to collect the shirts back after the ceremony and praised the overwhelming majority of fans—around 98 percent—who wore the shirts as a tribute to Nadal.

Moretton also admitted he himself didn’t receive a shirt despite being close to Nadal during the event and joked, “I’m also looking for a T-shirt, but I’m not about to go on Vinted.”

One reseller, Maxime Berthuis, who listed a T-shirt for 500 euros, told The Associated Press he bought his ticket for less than 40 euros ($43) and didn’t plan to wear the shirt. “Honestly, I don’t know how I’ll spend the money yet,” he said, while also facing backlash from angry Nadal fans.

The tribute brought together some of tennis’s greatest rivals, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray accompanying Nadal on court during the ceremony, adding to the day’s emotional significance.

While the resale activity has cast a shadow over the celebration, the unique tribute remains a memorable highlight of Roland Garros 2025, showcasing the deep admiration fans and players alike hold for Rafael Nadal’s legendary legacy.