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Roland Garros x Rafa Nadal: an opening day tribute to the king of clay

Roland Garros is set to kick off this year’s tournament with a tribute to one of its most legendary champions—Rafael Nadal.

Por: Alejandro Carrillo
The tribute is planned for after the night match on Day 1 and is being organized in collaboration with Nadal himself / Photo via Roland Garros
The tribute is planned for after the night match on Day 1 and is being organized in collaboration with Nadal himself / Photo via Roland Garros

Scheduled for May 25, the opening day of Roland Garros, the celebration will be a moment filled with surprises, according to tournament director Amélie Mauresmo, who unveiled the plans during a press conference. She hinted at an extraordinary tribute, designed to recognize Nadal ‘s unparalleled contribution to the French Open.

 

“We want it to be something very special, something truly unforgettable,” said Mauresmo, adding that further details will be kept secret to preserve the surprise element. “The tournament always looks forward, but we also honor those who’ve left an indelible mark—none more so than Rafael Nadal, whose fourteen titles here may never be matched.”

Scheduled for May 25, the opening day of Roland Garros, the celebration will be a moment filled with surprises / Photo via Roland Garros
Scheduled for May 25, the opening day of Roland Garros, the celebration will be a moment filled with surprises / Photo via Roland Garros

The tribute is planned for after the night match on Day 1 and is being organized in collaboration with Nadal himself. Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation (FFT), confirmed that the team had recently met with Rafael Nadal to discuss the concept and secure his involvement. Although the organizers are keeping the specifics of the event under wraps, they emphasized that Nadal was fully supportive of the idea.

Last year, Rafael Nadal declined any tribute after an early exit at the hands of Alexander Zverev, citing uncertainty about whether it would be his final appearance in Paris / Photo via Roland Garros
Last year, Rafael Nadal declined any tribute after an early exit at the hands of Alexander Zverev, citing uncertainty about whether it would be his final appearance in Paris / Photo via Roland Garros

King of clay honored

One major highlight announced is Nadal’s participation in promoting the 2025 edition of Roland Garros. As part of the promotional campaign launching on May 12, Nadal will lend his voice to narrate key moments and messages about the tournament. “Who better to represent this event than Rafa?” Mauresmo remarked. “It’s incredibly rare to have someone of his stature take part in this way.”

Roland Garros will celebrate his legacy and his enduring connection with the event that helped define his career / Photo via Roland Garros
Roland Garros will celebrate his legacy and his enduring connection with the event that helped define his career / Photo via Roland Garros

Last year, Rafael Nadal declined any tribute after an early exit at the hands of Alexander Zverev, citing uncertainty about whether it would be his final appearance in Paris. However, his attitude has changed this year. Now officially retired from professional tennis, he accepted the invitation to return as a guest of honor. Mauresmo noted that Nadal was touched by the gesture and happy to participate in this special moment. “His love for Roland Garros is deep, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back,” she said.

A champion’s salute

While there’s been speculation about Nadal eventually becoming an ambassador for the tournament, Mauresmo made it clear that the current focus is solely on the tribute. “There’s time for those conversations later. For now, we’re concentrating on making this event perfect.”

Rafael Nadal’s final match on the iconic Court Philippe Chatrier took place on July 29, 2024, during the Paris Olympic Games, where he lost to longtime rival Novak Djokovic. He later announced his retirement from professional tennis in November at the Davis Cup Finals in Málaga, closing an extraordinary chapter in the sport’s history.

 

Now, Roland Garros will celebrate his legacy and his enduring connection with the event that helped define his career.

Key information

  • When will the tribute to Rafael Nadal take place? On May 25, after the night session of Roland Garros.
  • Who announced the tribute plans during the press conference? Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo.
  • What special role will Rafael Nadal play in promoting Roland Garros 2025? He will lend his voice to the tournament’s promotional campaign.
  • Why didn’t Nadal accept a tribute last year? Because he hadn’t yet decided whether it would be his final appearance at Roland Garros.

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