As anticipated in recent months, the organizers of Roland Garros have officially confirmed a special tribute to honor Rafael Nadal during this year’s edition of the tournament. The legendary Spaniard, who holds an unmatched record of 14 French Open titles, will be celebrated in Paris on Sunday, May 25—the opening day of the 2025 tournament.
Last year, Nadal declined any form of tribute as he competed at both Roland Garros and the Olympic Games in Paris, leaving the door open to continuing his career. However, after a string of disappointing results and ongoing physical struggles, the former world No. 1 officially announced his retirement, with his final professional appearance set to come at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
A Farewell Fit for a Legend
Now retired and embracing life off the court, Nadal has revealed that he hasn’t picked up a racket since stepping away from competition. The 22-time Grand Slam champion is currently enjoying family life, with reports suggesting that he and his wife are expecting their second child.
The upcoming tribute will allow fans to honor Nadal’s historic achievements at Roland Garros, where he built an almost mythical legacy. The crowd in Court Philippe-Chatrier will have the chance to give the King of Clay the standing ovation he truly deserves—celebrating a player who has become synonymous with success in Paris.
Tournament Updates and New Features
During the official tournament presentation, Roland Garros director Amélie Mauresmo announced several key updates:
- Prize money will increase to $56.35 million, marking a rise from the previous edition.
- The second men’s semifinal will now be held during the night session.
- The broadcast partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery for U.S. coverage has been renewed, alongside continued excellence from Tennis Channel.
As excitement builds, tennis fans are also buzzing about the potential for a first-ever Grand Slam final showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner—the sport’s two brightest young stars.
