Rafael Nadal Leaves Permanent Footprint On Court Philippe Chatrier At Roland Garros: WATCH

With the day session on Court Philippe Chatrier concluded, Roland Garros buzzed with anticipation as fans gathered for the evening’s tribute to retired Spanish legend Rafa Nadal at the site of his 14 French Open victories.

Rafael Nadal received a warm reception as the ‘King of Clay’ stepped onto Court Philippe Chatrier for the last time on Sunday during a ceremony celebrating his illustrious French Open career.

The 38-year-old, who retired from tennis last November, was serenaded by the Roland Garros crowd, with spectators wearing different colored t-shirts to form the message “14 RG, Rafa”.

Nadal was awarded a special trophy commemorating his French Open achievements, featuring a mark of his footprint carved into the clay.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion had already been honored after his final match at the Davis Cup, but French tennis federation chief Gilles Moretton remarked earlier this year that “the tribute was not, in my opinion, what it should have been”.

Moretton explained that he, along with Roland Garros tournament director Amelie Mauresmo, visited Nadal at his home in December to discuss plans for the Sunday ceremony.

Nadal dominated the French Open after winning on his debut as a teenager in 2005, capturing the trophy a record-breaking 14 times.

The Spaniard finished with an extraordinary 112-4 win-loss record at the clay-court Grand Slam.

He last won the title in 2022 and played his final match on the Paris clay last year when he was defeated by Alexander Zverev in the first round.

“I don’t know how to start… I’ve been playing on this court for 20 years. I suffered, I won, I lost. I have lived many emotions here on this court,” an emotional Nadal told the crowd after watching a video of his career highlights at Roland Garros.

Nadal’s family and friends, along with many of his former coaching staff, including his uncle Toni, watched from the player’s box.

“Without a doubt, the most important tennis court of my career,” Nadal added to cheers.

“It’s been an incredible story that began back in 2004 when I came to Roland Garros for the very first time. I could barely walk on crutches due to a foot injury. I climbed to the top of the court and looked out, and couldn’t wait to play here.”

Nadal won the title the very next year after that injury setback, defeating Mariano Puerta in the final.

Nadal retired following the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, initially denying him an opportunity to bid farewell to his adoring fans in Paris.

His tally of 14 victories at a single Grand Slam seems unlikely to be surpassed, with Margaret Court’s 11 Australian Open titles second on the all-time list.

(with agency inputs)