Rafael Nadal received a heartfelt tribute at the 2025 French Open, where fans, fellow players, and his family celebrated his extraordinary legacy on the clay courts of Paris. The 14-time champion, who has dominated Roland Garros like no other, returned to Court Philippe-Chatrier for a special ceremony that stirred up emotions and unforgettable memories.
Fans paint the stadium orange with “Merci Rafa” tribute
To mark the occasion, every fan in the stadium was given an orange t-shirt with the words “Merci Rafa.” The sight of the entire crowd wearing the shirts created a sea of orange, with one section of fans forming the word “RAFA” alongside a heart symbol in white—an emotional and visually stunning tribute.
Alcaraz, Swiatek, and Ferrero join the celebration
The younger generation of champions also showed up to honor the Spanish legend. Defending French Open winners Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek proudly wore the “Merci Rafa” shirts, highlighting Nadal’s deep influence on their careers. Alcaraz’s coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who competed against Nadal during his prime, was also in attendance.
Nadal’s family shares the spotlight
Nadal’s family—including his wife Maria Francisca Perello, their two-year-old son, his sister Maribel, and his grandmothers—shared an emotional moment with him on court. As always, his little son stole the show, and at the end of the ceremony, Nadal carried him in his arms while waving goodbye to the crowd.
The Big-4 reunite in Paris
One of the most anticipated moments came when Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray joined Nadal on court. Their reunion, a rare sight in recent years, brought back memories of their legendary battles at the top of men’s tennis. Nadal expressed his gratitude to his longtime rivals, saying their fierce competition helped shape his career and turned into lasting respect and friendship.
Nadal’s lasting mark on Court Philippe-Chatrier
To immortalize his legacy, Nadal was presented with a trophy engraved with the 14 years he won the French Open, along with the word “Legend” and his signature. In a symbolic gesture, his footprint was also permanently engraved into Court Philippe-Chatrier, ensuring his presence will always remain on the clay he conquered.
With a record of 14 titles and 112 wins against just four losses at Roland Garros, Nadal’s dominance on clay remains unmatched. His career has been defined not only by brilliance and resilience but also by humility and respect for the sport—qualities that made the tribute both fitting and deeply emotional.
