Big Four unexpectedly gather on Rafael Nadal's tribute day

(Dan Tri) - Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have formed the Big Four (4 great tennis players) who have dominated tennis for many years. They were present at the Nadal tribute ceremony at Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal received a warm welcome when the "King of Clay" stepped onto Philippe Chatrier court for the last time yesterday (May 25) in a tribute ceremony at Roland Garros.

The 38-year-old Spaniard, who retired last November, was chanted by the Roland Garros crowd, with spectators wearing multi-coloured T-shirts spelling out "14 RG, Rafa".

Scene of Nadal's tribute ceremony at Philippe Chatrier Stadium (Photo: Getty).

Nadal dominated Roland Garros after winning his junior debut in 2005, lifting the trophy 14 times. The Spaniard finished his career with an incredible 112-4 record at the clay-court Grand Slam.

Nadal last won the title in 2022, playing his last match on the Parisian clay last year after being beaten by Alexander Zverev in the first round.

"I don't know how to start. I've played on this court for 20 years. I've suffered, won, lost. I've experienced many emotions on this court," Nadal emotionally shared with fans after watching a video of his career highlights at Roland Garros.

Nadal's family and friends watched from the players' box, along with many of his former coaches, including his uncle, Toni Nadal.

Rafael Nadal's family attended a memorial service for the former Spanish tennis player (Photo: Getty).

"This is definitely the most important tennis court of my career. It's an incredible story that started in 2004 when I came to Roland Garros for the first time. I could barely walk, I had a leg injury, I climbed to the top, looked down at the court and wanted to play here," Nadal added to cheers. Nadal won the title the following year, beating Mariano Puerta in the final.

Nadal's longtime rivals Novak Djokovic, who won his 100th ATP title this weekend, Roger Federer and Andy Murray will all join him on Court Philippe Chatrier. The three walked out after Nadal's speech to greet their colleague to a roar of cheers from the fans.

"After all these years of fighting for everything, it's incredible how time can change the perspective on things. All the anxiety, the pressure, the strange feeling when you meet each other as opponents, it completely changes when you finish your career," Nadal shared with the other members of the Big Four.

"We have built great rivalries but I think in a positive way. We fought hard to win titles but we are still good colleagues and we respect each other. It means a lot that all of you are here. I really enjoy trying my best every day to compete with all of you," Nadal continued.

Murray, Djokovic, Federer present at Nadal's tribute ceremony (Photo: Getty).

Nadal hung up his racket after Spain's quarter-final defeat at the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga cost him the chance to bid farewell to his passionate fans in Paris.

Nadal's record of 14 Grand Slam titles looks unlikely to be broken, with Margaret Court's 11 Australian Open titles second on the all-time list. Nadal was presented with a special trophy commemorating his achievements at Roland Garros, with his footprints engraved on the clay.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion received a farewell after his final Davis Cup match, but French tennis federation president Gilles Moretton said earlier this year that "in my opinion, the tribute was not what was expected".

He said he visited Nadal at his home in December with tournament director Amelie Mauresmo to discuss plans for the ceremony at Roland Garros 2025.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/big-four-bat-ngo-hoi-tu-trong-ngay-tri-an-rafael-nadal-20250526111408652.htm