Novak Djokovic Joins Rafael Nadal's Emotional Farewell
The "Big Four" of tennis reunited for Nadal's farewell ceremony, celebrating their rivalries and friendships, and marking the end of an era for the sport. The ceremony was a testament to Nadal's lasting impact on the tennis world, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
Rafael Nadal bid an emotional farewell to the French Open in Paris, marking the end of an era for the tennis legend, with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray in attendance to honor his record 14 men's singles titles.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who has been playing at the tournament since 2005, was joined by his fellow tennis greats, known as the "Big Four," who had pushed Nadal to his physical and mental limits throughout his career. Nadal thanked his rivals for pushing him to be his best and for being good friends, saying "we showed that we can fight in a good way." A four-minute video showcasing Nadal's greatest moments at the tournament was also featured during the ceremony.
The ceremony, which was attended by 15,000 people, included a showreel of Nadal's iconic memories at Roland Garros, a tribute to his family, and a surprise appearance by Federer, Djokovic, and Murray. A silver plaque featuring Nadal's footprint was unveiled next to the Chatrier net post, and Nadal was overcome with emotion during the ceremony. He thanked his family, the tournament, and the French fans, saying it was an "unforgettable day" and that he "enjoyed it a lot."
As the tennis world says goodbye to Nadal's dominance at the French Open, the tournament continues with other notable players making strong starts to their campaigns, including Aryna Sabalenka, the women's world number one, who won her first match 6-1, 6-0 against Kamilla Rakhimova.