Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 06:50am on 26 May 2025,Monday Sports
Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam champion, was honored with an emotional farewell ceremony at Roland Garros on May 25, 2025, following his retirement from professional tennis in November 2024. The tribute took place on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where Nadal secured a record 14 French Open titles and achieved an unparalleled 112-4 match record. The ceremony featured a standing ovation, a crowd display spelling "14 RG Rafa," and a trilingual speech by Nadal addressing his family and fans. He was joined by tennis greats and rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, exemplifying sportsmanship beyond competition. The event concluded with the unveiling of a plaque bearing his footprint and signature. Nadal, visibly moved, expressed his gratitude, stating that while he typically shuns the spotlight, he appreciated the heartfelt recognition. (PC: Shutterstock)