The ‘King of Clay’ won a record 14 men’s singles titles at the iconic Grand Slam tournament and was seen crying on Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris.

Nadal got emotional while watching a tribute video as the crowd erupted and began to sing to him with adoring fans wearing clay-coloured shirts.

French Open organisers also revealed that a plaque of Nadal’s footprint will forever stay on Court Philippe Chatrier to immortalise the tennis icon.

‘When I saw it, I thought it would only be for this year,’ Nadal said about his footprint plaque. ‘When they told me it would be forever, I can’t describe my emotions.

Next Story
Rafael Nadal immortalised at French Open after emotional Big Four tennis reunion
Liam Grace
Liam Grace
Published May 26, 2025 9:50am Updated May 26, 2025 9:51am
2025 French Open – Day One
Rafael Nadal reunited with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in Paris (Picture: Getty)

Rafael Nadal broke down in tears during an emotional reunion with Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic at the French Open on Sunday.

Nadal entered retirement from tennis last year with a special ceremony held on the opening day of Roland-Garros 2025 to celebrate the Spaniard.

The ‘King of Clay’ won a record 14 men’s singles titles at the iconic Grand Slam tournament and was seen crying on Court Philippe Chatrier in Paris.

Nadal got emotional while watching a tribute video as the crowd erupted and began to sing to him with adoring fans wearing clay-coloured shirts.

Roland-Garros then honoured Nadal with a trophy which featured the word ‘Legend’ with every year he won engraved, finished off with his signature.

French Open organisers also revealed that a plaque of Nadal’s footprint will forever stay on Court Philippe Chatrier to immortalise the tennis icon.

‘When I saw it, I thought it would only be for this year,’ Nadal said about his footprint plaque. ‘When they told me it would be forever, I can’t describe my emotions.
Rafael Nadal has been immortalised at the French Open (Picture: TNT Sports)

‘It’s a great honour. I was thrilled to know it would be present on the most important court of my career.’

Nadal dominated tennis for two decades with fellow Big Four legends Federer, Murray and Djokovic, who were all present at Sunday’s ceremony.

‘It’s amazing how dominant he has been here,’ Federer said. ‘He is so incredible, and I am so happy that he got the plaque forever, not just for a year or something like that.