Rafael Nadal is set to receive a much-deserved and meaningful tribute at the 2025 edition of Roland Garros, marking his extraordinary connection to the tournament, according to French Tennis Federation (FFT) president, Gilles Moretton.
The 14-time French Open champion, whose dominance at Roland Garros is unparalleled in tennis—perhaps even in all sports—will be honored at the very event where he became an icon. Nadal officially called time on his legendary career during the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, after a straight-sets loss to Botic Van de Zandschulp (6-4, 6-4), which resulted in Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands.
Speaking on Europe 1 radio, Moretton emphasized the importance of a proper tribute: “There will, necessarily, be something for Rafael Nadal, a very big tribute. A real tribute, very important. We are attached to it.” Reflecting on the Davis Cup tribute, Moretton admitted that it wasn’t fitting of Nadal’s legacy. “The tribute at the Davis Cup was not really the one that we had to pay him. We were ready last year, but he wasn’t ready; he was still a player.”
Moretton further revealed that the FFT had already approached Nadal regarding the tribute, stating, “We went to see him at home, at the beginning of December, with Amélie Mauresmo to talk to him about this tribute and discuss the future.” He also hinted at a potential ambassadorial role for Nadal with the French Open, noting, “The two ‘brands,’ Rafael Nadal and Roland-Garros, are one. So yes, we are considering things with him.”
Nadal’s longtime rival, Novak Djokovic, was vocal in his criticism of the tribute during the Davis Cup. The 24-time Grand Slam champion expressed disappointment, saying, “I saw the video of the ceremony. I don’t know, I don’t know if Rafa maybe didn’t want to make too much of a fuss about it to avoid disrupting other teams or matches. I feel bad that I wasn’t there.” Djokovic had intended to attend the tournament if Spain had progressed past the Netherlands, adding, “We were together on the court in Riyadh, that was a nice moment. But the ceremony… in my opinion, wasn’t done properly.”
Djokovic wasn’t the only one dissatisfied with the farewell. Carlos Moya, Nadal’s former coach and fellow Grand Slam champion, shared his frustration, stating, “The feeling we are all left with is a bit scruffy and shabby. It’s true that it’s a Tuesday night, but we knew months in advance that if Spain lost, Rafa would retire. Nadal is far above all this.”
Despite the criticism, Nadal himself has always been understated, often shying away from grand gestures. However, judging by Moretton’s statements, the tribute planned for Nadal at Roland Garros will be much more fitting for the legendary Spaniard, celebrating his unparalleled achievements at a venue that has truly become his second home.