PARIS — Rafael Nadal said he was at peace with his decision to retire and had not touched his tennis racket in seven months as he said goodbye to Roland Garros at an emotional ceremony at the French Open on Sunday.
Nadal thanked the fans of Philippe Chatelier in the packed court for their support as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray participated in the on-court celebration. Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Carlos Moya and Juan Carlos Ferrero were among those watching from the stands, with a crowd of 15,000 wearing t-shirts printed with “Merci Rafa” on them.
Nadal was recognized for the permanent plaque in his footprints next to the court’s net post.
“When I saw that, I thought it would be just for this year,” Nadal said. “To know that it will be there forever is a present that I cannot describe.”
Nadal retired after a career that won 22 Grand Slam titles last November. Fourteen of them came to Roland Garros – his first in 2005 and his last in 2022. He already had a statue of celebrating him on grounds before playing his final match at last year’s tournament, but this was his chance to say goodbye to what he called “the most important tennis court of my career.”
“I’m having fun,” Nadal said of his retirement. “I don’t miss tennis much because I feel I’ve given you everything I had. I’m arriving today in peace that I can’t be in court. You know, my body doesn’t allow me to be in court, so that’s all. I’m in peace.
“I did everything I could to have the best career possible, and now I am enjoying this new phase of my life, I am sure it will not be more exciting than a tennis career.
Nadal, Murray, Djokovic and Federer drive each other towards an astounding level of sport, and Nadal said he hopes the world can learn from how they handled their rivalry.
“To have my three biggest rivals on the court with me meant a lot,” Nadal said. “At the same time, I think it’s a great message to the world. I think that perhaps the toughest rivals in our sport’s history – can become good colleagues and respect each other.
“That’s the message we think we’ve shown to people, and we’ve shown a new generation. In some way, that’s our legacy. The outcome is there, but at the same time the outcome is just the outcome. (relationship) remains the same.”
Nadal said Arsenal has lost contact with Murray just to see a text message appearing on his phone after knocking out Real Madrid from the Champions League earlier this season.
“The message reads as follows. Honestly, it took me five seconds to make what I was reading come true. Five seconds later I said, ‘This is a British sense of humor.’ ”
The central focus of Nadal’s farewell was the theme of family importance. His uncle and former coach Tony Nadal were attending the ceremony along with Rafa’s wife, Maria, and son Rafael.
Nadal was asked if he wanted his son to follow in his footsteps and make the same sacrifices he did to reach such a level in sports.
“Of course, if my son lived a tennis career, yes, of course. “I had no sense of losing a part of my life and becoming a professional.
“So, if my son feels that way, let’s say I’ll support him. I (I don’t think so, but I’ll support him whatever he wants to do.”
As he said goodbye to Roland Garros, Nadal thanked the tournament organizers and paid tribute to the love the Parisian crowd showed him.
“Thank you, France. Thank you, Paris,” Nadal said in tears. “You’ve given me so many emotions. I couldn’t imagine so many moments. It’s great to feel so much love and gratitude here, and that’s where it matters most to me.
“You made me feel like another Frenchman here. I cannot play in front of you again, but my heart and my memories are always linked to this place and these people.
