Roland Garros honors Nadal: Thank you, legend!

Rafael Nadal, the greatest champion in Roland Garros history, was honored emotionally in Paris. He was accompanied by his friends Federer, Djokovic and Murray.

Special moment

A special day, many 5s: 25-5-2025. After a few failed attempts, France, Paris and Roland Garros finally responded to the stature of Rafael Nadal .

He smiled, reminiscing, grateful, moved. His career circle had completely closed. Thank you. A special thank you.

Paris and Roland Garros honor Nadal. Photo: EFE

No fanfare, no fuss, just true French sophistication, Nadal received applause from the crowd at the "holy land" Bois de Boulogne - the place he has been attached to since the beginning of his career, where emotions surge and the only goal is maintained: tennis, only tennis.

It was a day of overwhelming emotions, of memories, of careful preparation down to every detail that the Organizing Committee had cherished for many months.

From early morning on the opening day of the 124th edition of Roland Garros , people felt a special atmosphere spreading everywhere.

Lucky those who bought tickets for opening day. A big day. A memory to cherish.

“Merci Rafa” is the message printed on the left chest of the earth-coloured shirts that fans wear, distributed for free inside the Philippe Chatrier stadium.

For a long time, overcoming the initial reservations of the Parisians, Nadal has been loved by the audience here as a son of the city.

“No one loves the Spanish as much as the French love Rafael,” wrote Toni Nadal, Rafa's uncle.

As soon as Lorenzo Musetti finished the third game, the whole stadium sang: Ra-fa, Ra-fa, Ra-fa! The Bee Gees played, the dance "Stayin' Alive" stirred the stadium.

Nadal is an icon in the Bois de Boulogne. Photo: Roland Garros

Nadal appeared in all black, blowing kisses to the sky, introduced by the familiar voice of Marc Maury, following the familiar ritual: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012… and continued until he had won all 14 titles.

That number was illuminated on the Jean Borotra stand, the whole stadium burst into applause for 3 minutes full of tears and emotion.

“I enjoyed, I won, I lost, I suffered. I lived a lot of emotions on this court,” Nadal choked up in French.

Emotion

Nadal mentioned his family, his team, who have accompanied him throughout the journey. His young son was emotional.

He did not forget his beloved Uncle Toni: “You are the reason I am here. Thank you for dedicating your life to me. What we have been through has not always been easy, but it has definitely been worth it.”

Nadal's title on the Paris clay court. Photo: Roland Garros

Nadal continued: “We are both not used to showing emotions, but I want you to know that I am extremely grateful for the sacrifices you have made for me. You are the best coach I could have ever dreamed of. Without you, none of this would be possible.”

He talks about respect, about values ​​andeducation – the basics.

The majestic melody of Hans Zimmer – German composer – rang out again. At that moment, the man of steel burst out: “Merci La France, Merci Paris” .

The numbers started rolling in: 22 Grand Slams , 1,080 wins, 209 weeks at number one. That's when his friends came to him: Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer.

France and its elegance – never lacking. Carlos Alcaraz stood there watching, learning, perhaps dreaming of one day being like that.

“It was a lot of battles, a lot of pressure, but at the end of your career, everything is different,” Nadal said to three friends, standing in a row. Bonding.

“We showed the world that it is possible to fight hard and still be good friends. Tennis is a sport , but for us, it is something bigger.”

Nadal and his companions. Photo: Roland Garros

The legend shed a tear as the thin layer of dust was swept away to reveal a plaque engraved with his name: Rafa Nadal. This court is his, as evidenced by the deep footprints imprinted here.

Since 2005, he has come and conquered. Andre Agassi once said: "If the opponent sees Rafa in his draw, the best thing is to buy a ticket home immediately" .

An unprecedented dominance in tennis, and perhaps in sports in general.

Then he made his final bow, was honored, waved to all four sides of the stands, walked lightly, in the most beautiful way: holding his son's hand. One day, the boy will understand: Nadal is a true warrior, admired, special. Unparalleled here.

Rafael Nadal's indelible footprints in Paris.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/roland-garros-tri-an-nadal-cam-on-anh-huyen-thoai-2404955.html