Tennis legend Roger Federer believes Rafael Nadal’s plaque on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros is an excellent tribute to the King of Clay.
Roger Federer believes there was one particular moment that stood out from Rafael Nadal’s farewell ceremony at the French Open as he feels his long-term rival’s reaction said it all.
Roland Garros waved goodbye to their favourite son at the start of this year’s tournament as the King of Clay was honoured during an emotional ceremony on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Nadal bowed out from tennis last November and he finished his career with 22 Grand Slams titles, with 14 coming at his beloved French Open.
The Spaniard won his maiden trophy in Paris as a 19-year-old on his debut at the tournament in 2005 and he went on to dominate the event with his last title coming in 2022.
He finished an astonishing 112–4 win-loss record and it was only right that his four biggest rivals during his playing career attended his farewell.
Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray joined Nadal on Philippe-Chatrier during the tribute ceremony.
In an interview with TNT Sports, 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer said: “It was amazing. I think everyone loved the tribute, especially Rafa, who is the one who had to love it. I have heard him in several interviews talking about how he felt, that makes me very happy.
“They were moments of great emotion, gratitude, it was incredible to see his reaction when they showed the plaque with his name on it.”
And it was the unveiling of the plaque that really captured the imagination not just on the day, but in the days after the ceremony as several players took selfies after their matches during this year’s French Open.
Federer added: “For me it was the most exciting thing, that plaque will be there forever, all the players who step on the court will see it, they will surely be inspired and motivated thanks to him.
“Sincerely, he had the farewell and the tribute he deserved. I am happy for him, grateful for allowing me to live it from there with them. It had been many months since I had seen them.
“It is always a pleasure to meet all Rafa’s family and friends, I am lucky to know them and I was delighted to see them all smiling.
“It was the first time I returned to Roland-Garros since I retired, the last time was in 2021 in that edition with no crowd in the stands. It was a joy to return to Philippe-Chatrier, only this time with the stands full of fans.
“Paris will always be a special place for me. I had some very special moments there, many of them with Rafa.”
