Rafael Nadal dominated Roland Garros like no other player at any Major! The Spaniard wrapped up his incredible Parisian journey with a 112-4 score, lifting 14 trophies from 19 trips to his beloved tournament and writing history books.
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Rafa played his final match in paris last year against Alexandre Zverev. Everyone knew it could have been the legend's last encounter at Court Philippe-Chatrier, but Nadal kept his hopes alive of returning in 2025. However, the legend changed his plan.
The veteran announced his retirement last October and terminated his career at the Davis Cup Finals. Knowing that, the Roland Garros organizers will honor Rafa and his incredible careerat this year's Roland Garros!
The president of the French Tennis Federation,Gilles Moretton, announced the news and big plans for an authentic tribute worth of the 14-time champion! The Roland Garrosdirector Amelie Mauresmo visited Rafa in Mallorca in December.
She informed him about their plans and discussed other areas of the possible collaboration between Nadal and the clay Major. Rafa could become the Roland Garros ambassador, and it's hard to imagine anyone doing that better than him!
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The Spaniard debuted in Paris in 2005 as one of the favorites. He ousted Roger Federer on his 19th birthday and toppled Gaston Gaudio in the title clash en route to his first Major title. The legend was born, and the dynasty unfolded!
The king of clay conquered four titles in a row before losing to Robin Soderling in 2009. Nadal bounced back and secured five more titles between 2010 and 2014, lifting nine trophies in the previous ten years and writing history books.
Rafa could not extend his streak in 2015 and 2016, struggling to find form and experiencing his second loss in Paris.The Spaniard lost to Novak Djokovic in the quarter-final in 2015 and withdrew ahead of the third round a year later.
Like many times before, Nadal bounced back in style! He embraced four straight titles between 2017 and 2020, extending his Roland Garros legacy to unprecedented heights. The king of clay suffered his third Roland Garros defeat to Novak Djokovic in 2021.
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He made one last push a year later and lifted his 14th and last trophy in Paris over Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev andCasper Ruud. In 2023, Rafa skipped his favorite Major for the first time since 2004 due to hip issues.
He did not play by the end of the season and could not revive his A-game in 2024. The king of clay traveled to Paris with low confidence and experienced terrible luck in the draw. The 14-time winnerfaced world no. 4 Alexander Zverev in the first round.
The veteran fought well but suffered a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 defeat in three hours and five minutes, experiencing his earliest defeat at Court Philippe-Chatrier. Rafa will visit his favorite tournament this springonly to receive a well-deserved honor and recognition.
"Rafael Nadal will receive a proper farewell at Roland Garros. It will be an authentic tribute, and we are attached to it. The Davis Cup Finals was not the right place for Rafa's farewell, and we want to honor him at home.
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Amlie Mauresmo visited Rafa in December and informed him about our tribute. Also, they talked about the future. Our two brands, Rafael Nadal and Roland Garros, are one, and we are considering many things with Rafa, including his role as our ambassador," Gilles Moretton said.
