Nadal, the 'dirt god', has a grand retirement ceremony at the French Open...'Big Four' reunited on the court
Nadal, the 'dirt god', has a grand retirement ceremony at the French Open...'Big Four' reunited on the court
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Retired "dirt god" Rafael Nadal (Spain) said his last goodbye at Roland Garros, which was like a home court.
Nadal's retirement ceremony was held on the 25th (Korea Standard Time) at the main court Philippe-Chatrier in Roland Garros, Paris, France, on the first day of the 2025 French Open.
More than 15,000 fans filled the stadium, wearing reddish-brown T-shirts symbolizing the French Open, waited for Nadal. The t-shirts said, "Thank you Rafa (Nadal's nickname)."
When Nadal, dressed in a black suit, entered the court, everyone gave him a standing ovation.
Nadal, who responded with a smile, was teary as he watched the video of his performance.
Nadal made his professional debut in 2001 and retired last year. In his 24 years on the court, he has won 22 singles titles in major competitions.
He won 14 of them at the French Open and was called the "King of Clay Courts."
The French love Nadal more than their own star for his brilliant performance at Roland Garros.
Nadal said, "I enjoyed, suffered, won, lost, felt a lot of emotions on this court that I have played for over 20 years. There is no doubt that it is the most important coat for me." 카지노사이트
Nadal, who was speaking in tears, burst into laughter when he found out that he had lost a piece of paper he had written. A ball boy ran to him and handed over the lost page.
The atmosphere was at its peak when the 'Big Four', which competed against him, appeared on the court.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia, Roger Federer of Switzerland, and Andy Murray of the U.K. embraced Nadal in a strong way. The four have 69 titles in total in major competitions.
Of these, Djokovic is the only active player.
"It was hard on the court because of you, but the competition was really enjoyable," Nadal said. "We were the best rivals, but we were able to be good friends."
Nadal received the "Legend Trophy" from the organizers. Then, a plaque with Nadal's footprints was unveiled. The plaque will remain on the Philippe-Chatrier court floor forever.
On the first day of the tournament, when Nadal became the main character, there was no big surprise.
Tommy Paul (12th, USA), who reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open earlier this year, defeated Elmer Moller (112th, Denmark) 3-1 (6-7<5-7> 6-2 6-3 6-1) in the first round of the men's singles.
This year's Australian Open runner-up Ben Shelton (13th, USA) defeated Lorenzo Sonego (44th, Italy) 3-2 (6-4 4-6 3-6 6-2 6-3) to advance to the second round.
Last year's Wimbledon runner-up Lorenzo Musetti (8th, Italy) beat Jannik Hanfman (142nd, Germany) 3-0 (7-5 6-2 6-0).