Big four reunited in moving Nadal’s Roland Garros farewell.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

@RolandGarros.

Rafael Nadal reunited with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in a special farewell ceremony to the 14-time French Open champion.

Twelve months after what proved to be his final match on on Court Philippe Chatrier, the great Spaniard returned for a hero’s welcome and an icon’s farewell.

It was the day Nadal’s name and footprint was permanently enshrined on the world’s most famous clay court, with the Spaniard receiving an extended standing ovation in a moving ceremony lasting almost an hour.

“It has been unforgettable,” he said.

There are plenty of emotions for a guy like me that, you know, I don’t love these kind of things because I’m still a little bit shy for all this stuff. I don’t like a lot to be the centre of attention for these things.

“It was enough when I was playing tennis. But I enjoyed it, honestly. I suffered a little bit with the emotions, but I enjoyed a lot. It was amazing.”


Fourteen French Open titles claimed at a time when the giants of the sport roamed the baselines. It stands as one of sports greatest achievements, a feat likely to stand forever.

And it is why this Spaniard has become adored in France. That in itself is a remarkable feat given the rivalry between the nations.

Last August he featured in the Paris Olympics in a prominent role and said how much it meant to him to receive the Torch from Zinedine Zidane. To become the first player to have his name cemented on the most important court in his career furthered his gratitude.

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