Rafael Nadal will be honoured on the opening day of the French Open. (Image: Getty)
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is still having a say at this month’s French Open despite having retired from the sport. The 38-year-old called it quits after the Davis Cup last November, bringing down the curtain on an iconic career.
The Spaniard won 22 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals. However, he was at his most formidable at Roland Garros, winning 14 of his major titles in the French capital. He finished his career with an incredible 112-4 record at the tournament, and his domination led to him being known as the ‘King of Clay’.
Last year, following his last appearance in Paris, he declined the opportunity for a tribute. Amid emotional scenes, Nadal was beaten by Alexander Zverev in the first round.
However, French Open organisers have since confirmed that his legacy will be honoured when the Slam gets underway on May 25. A special ceremony will be held on Court Philippe-Chatrier after the three matches of the day session.
Nadal’s last French Open win came in 2022. (Image: Getty)
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Furthermore, the star has already taken on another tournament role. He’s provided the voiceover for the tournament’s official trailer, which features clips of the venue and footage of the game’s greats competing there over the years.
“Only where love is written in capitals,” he says during the footage. “Only on clay where champions fight. Only the glide, the slide, the might. Only endurance until the night. Only where tennis and everybody rhyme.
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“Only where hats fit on every head. Only where clay marks passion in red. Only a stage for courage and fire. Only here, where all dreams transpire.”
Nadal hasn’t confirmed if he’ll stay in France for the duration of the event. The tournament culminates on Sunday, May 25, with the men’s singles final.
