Roland Garros opened with tears, chants and a sea of brick-red T-shirts reading 'Merci Rafa' as the French Open paid an emotional tribute on Sunday to Rafael Nadal, the man who conquered its courts like no other.

Is Rafael Nadal the greatest tennis champion of all time? Impossible to say. But a tear-jerking farewell ceremony, staged at Roland Garros on Sunday night, proved beyond doubt that he is the most humble.

The 14-time champion returned to his kingdom and received a memorable tribute, the one he fully deserved. Nadal described it as the most emotional moment of his illustrious career. Rafa felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and respect from fans, peers and organizers, who did everything to make this day memorable for him.

Rafael Nadal, the undisputed king of clay, bid an emotional farewell at Roland Garros on May 25, 2025, surrounded by fellow legends and adoring fans. The heartfelt ceremony celebrated his unparalleled career,

In the first French Open since Rafael Nadal’s retirement, Carlos Alcaraz is a strong favorite to defend his title in Paris as Spanish great Carlos Moyá tells CNN Sports.

The tears flowed for Rafael Nadal as he was handed a fitting farewell at Roland Garros, with the presence of his three biggest rivals completing his perfect story in Paris. The 14-time French Open champion was saluted by a capacity crowd at Court Philippe ...

Rafael Nadal said a tearful farewell as Roland Garros paid tribute to its greatest champion on Sunday, while Aryna Sabalenka got her French Open campaign up and running with an emphatic victory. Old rivals Roger Federer,

Rafael Nadal, who will turn 39 on June 3, holds a career record of 112-4 at Roland Garros. The run even includes a 14-0 record in finals.