“Merci, Rafa”: Roland Garros Bids an Emotional Farewell to the King of Clay

On May 25, 2025, the tennis world gathered at Roland Garros to bid an emotional farewell to Rafael Nadal, the undisputed “King of Clay.” The ceremony, held on Court Philippe-Chatrier, honored Nadal’s unparalleled achievements, including his record 14 French Open titles and a remarkable 112-4 match record at the tournament .

The stands were awash with fans wearing “Merci Rafa” shirts, creating a mosaic that read “RAFA ❤️” and “14 RG,” symbolizing his 14 Roland Garros victories . A commemorative plaque bearing Nadal’s footprint was unveiled, ensuring his legacy remains etched in the very clay he dominated .

The Big Four Reunited

In a poignant moment, Nadal was joined on court by his long-time rivals and fellow members of the “Big Four”: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. Their presence underscored the deep respect and camaraderie shared among these tennis greats .

During his speech, Nadal expressed profound gratitude to his family, coaches, and fans. He acknowledged the significance of Roland Garros in his career, stating, “It’s the most important place of my career” . The ceremony concluded with Nadal holding his young son, Rafael Junior, as he waved goodbye to the crowd, marking the end of an era in tennis .

Such is Nadal’s influence on the sport that even current players scored a ticket to the ceremony. Long-time fans Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek both sported the ‘Merci Rafa’ t-shirts in the crowd as they took a photo from their seats.

Rafael Nadal’s farewell at Roland Garros was not just a celebration of his extraordinary achievements but also a testament to his humility, sportsmanship, and the indelible mark he leaves on the sport.