According to Olympics.com, Rafael Nadal will get recognised for his outstanding legacy and accomplishments at Roland Garros during this year’s French Open.

The 38-year-old Spaniard has won 22 Grand Slam championships, including a record 14 on the Paris clay. After the day’s matches on May 25, the ceremony will be held on Court Philippe-Chatrier on the first Sunday of the tournament.

Nadal retired in November of last year after winning two Olympic titles (in the Rio 2016 doubles and the Beijing 2008 singles). He has an impressive 112-4 win-loss record at Roland Garros, and he is expected to serve as an ambassador during the Grand Slam.

According to Olympics.com, Gilles Moretton, head of the French Tennis Federation, described the homage as “a love story.” We appreciate the player and the ambassador he can become for Roland Garros and the federation, and he has a great deal of respect for the event and clay, so I believe it’s appropriate to discuss a love story.”

The ceremony’s specifics will be kept a secret, Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director, said.
“Rafa has undoubtedly left his stamp on Roland Garros history in a variety of ways, and his 14 championships may stand as the most unmatched in a Grand Slam competition. Although he won’t be competing in Roland Garros this year, he will be there for us in 2025. Rafa and Roland Garros have a significant affinity. “We would like it to be unexpected,” she said.

Nadal won his first Paris championship in 2005 and his last one in 2022. In 2024, he made his last appearance at the French Open, losing to Alexander Zverev in the first round.

Zverev joined Robin Soderling and Novak Djokovic (twice) as the only other men to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros.

At last year’s Olympics, Rafael Nadal also competed on the red soil of Paris, losing to eventual champion Djokovic in the second-round singles match and losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the doubles.