- Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic were once again reunited on Sunday at Roland Garros for Nadal’s farewell
- After the Big Four made their cameo, one more surprise followed as Amélie Simone Mauresmo and French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton unveiled a silver plaque with Nadal’s footprint
Tennis Big Four – Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic – were once again reunited on Sunday at Roland Garros for Nadal’s farewell.
The iconic four once ruled the tennis world dominating all the Grand Slams every year. However, they’ve become a rare sight these days, with Nadal becoming the third member of the group to retire in 2024 after a struggle with injuries.
On Sunday, they gave tennis fans a nostalgic feeling when they came together as the French Open bid farewell to Nadal. The Spaniard was a great player on clay court and achieved greatness in Paris, winning 14 French Open titles (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011.,2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022). He claimed most of these titles at a time when the big four were ruling the tennis world, making it one of the greatest achievements in sports.
Former tennis player Rafael Nadal dominated the French Open winning 14 titles from 2005 to 2022. Photo/ Tennis Majors.
When Nadal played at the French Open the Chatrier used to be a sea of Spanish red and yellow. However, the color scheme on Sunday was Roland Garros terracotta as each of the ticketholders was handed a T-shirt on their way into the stadium. Among those in attendance at the event was Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz who many see as the heir to Nadal and women’s defending champion at French Open Iga Swiatek.
The chants of “Rafa! Rafa! Rafa!” filled the air as Nadal’s fans waited for his arrival on stage. When he finally walked out, majority of the fans on the stands, including Alcarez and Swiatek, rose to their feet and a round of applause lasting for about two minutes followed.
The scenes at Roland Garros left Nadal emotional with the cameras capturing him biting his lips. Nadal watched a showreel of his iconic moments at Court Philippe-Chatrier and then paid tribute to his family members who sat in the front row of the presidential suite. He also paid tribute to the tournament and the French fans who always showed up in large numbers to support him in one of the biggest stages in the world.
His speech was conducted in Spanish, French and English, and he didn’t fail to recognize one special family member – his uncle Toni – the man who started teaching him tennis when he was only three years old and helped him win 16 out of his 22 Grand Slams.
The Big Four Cameo
Fittingly, the other members of the big four showed up on stage to ensure he got a memorable farewell. Federer, who held hands with Nadal as they cried during the Swiss final match, was the first to receive a warm embrace. Nadal then hugged Djokovic and Murray as the fans applauded.
Former tennis player Rafael Nadal (2nd right) possess for a photo with British great Andy Murray (L), Swiss legend Roger Federer (2nd right) and Novak Djokovic (R). Three out of the four are now retired. Photo/ Rediff.
Murray and Nadal have been friend since their amateur days and the Briton showed the value he had for their friendship when he travelled from London to Paris and back on Sunday just for the farewell.
After the Big Four made their cameo, one more surprise followed as Amélie Simone Mauresmo and French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton unveiled a silver plaque with Nadal’s footprint.
“It was perfect. I could not have expected a more emotional day. It was unforgettable with plenty of emotions. For a guy like me, who does not like these sort of things, I am still a bit shy and don’t like to be the centre of attention. But I enjoyed it a lot.” BBC quotes Rafael Nadal.
