Rafael Nadal officially ended his professional career in November 2024, saying goodbye to fans at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga and ending a legendary journey in all respects. Unfortunately, the last year of his career was below expectations for several reasons and there was no prestigious result, also due to the usual injuries that continued to torment him.
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Roland Garros and the Paris Olympics were his two main goals in the last year of his career, but the former world No. 1 did not go beyond the first round at the French Open and the second round in his last participation in the Olympics.
At that moment, the legend from Manacor understood that the time had come to accept reality and prepare for the second chapter of his life.
To tell the truth during the 2024 season the Spaniard had considered the idea of playing a few tournaments in 2025 and postponing his retirement, but he gave up on this when he realized that his body was no longer able to withstand certain efforts.
For this reason, Rafa did not want to receive any tribute either at the Rome Masters 1000 or at Roland Garros, where he made tennis history by breaking one of the most incredible records in the history of sport (with 14 triumphs).
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What's next for Rafa?
A few days ago, FFT president Gilles Moretton announced that Nadal will receive an amazingtribute during the 2025 edition of the French Open.
In addition, he confided that the French federation intends to start a lasting collaboration with the 22-time Grand Slam champion.
"We hope to be able to start a collaboration with Rafa. Amelie Mauresmo and I went to visit him at his home in December last year to talk to him about this tribute and the future. He listened to us and was very helpful.
We want the name of Roland Garros and that of Rafa Nadal to remain linked forever," said Moretton.
