On May 25, 2025, Roland Garros honored Rafael Nadal with a heartfelt tribute, celebrating his unparalleled legacy at the French Open. The ceremony, held on Court Philippe-Chatrier, featured the unveiling of a permanent plaque bearing Nadal’s right footprint, his name, and the number “14,” symbolizing his record 14 French Open titles. This gesture immortalizes Nadal’s profound connection with the tournament and its fans.
The tribute coincided with the 20th anniversary of Nadal’s debut at Roland Garros, where he clinched his first title in 2005. A capacity crowd of 15,000 fans, many donning orange “Merci Rafa” shirts, participated in the celebration. The stands displayed a mosaic spelling “RAFA” with hearts and “14 RG,” reflecting the deep admiration for the Spanish tennis legend.
Nadal, visibly moved, addressed the crowd in French, English, and Spanish, expressing gratitude to his family, coaches, fans, and particularly his uncle and longtime coach, Toni Nadal. He remarked on the significance of the plaque, describing it as “an indescribable gift.”
The ceremony also reunited the “Big Four” of men’s tennis, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joining Nadal on court. Their presence underscored the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among these great rivals.
Nadal’s dominance at Roland Garros is unparalleled, boasting a 112-4 win-loss record and 14 titles over nearly two decades. His influence extends beyond the court, embodying the spirit and values of the tournament. As former player Álex Corretja noted, Nadal represents the essence of tennis on clay—discipline, mental fortitude, physical prowess, and tactical acumen.
In addition to the plaque, Nadal’s legacy is commemorated with a statue at the tournament grounds and an exhibition at the Tenniseum, offering fans an immersive experience into his storied career.
As Nadal transitions into retirement, his footprint on Court Philippe-Chatrier serves as a lasting testament to his extraordinary achievements and the indelible mark he has left on Roland Garros and the sport of tennis.