Rafael Nadal made an emotional goodbye to the spiritual home of his tennis on Sunday as the French Open honoured their 14-time champion with a retirement ceremony.
On hand were longtime rivals Roger Federer, Andy Murray and the still-active Novak Djokovic, who Nadal greeted with hugs on court.
.“We competed as hard as we could against each…and were still respectful colleagues,” he said. “We show the world that we can fight as hard as possible, but in a good way, being good colleagues and respect each other very well.
“We all achieved our dreams, it means a lot to have all of you here. You really gave me some hard times on court.
“But tennis is just a game, Having you here means everything.”
The French federation also honoured Nadal with a commemorative glass trophy with the word “Legend” and the player’s signature etched onto it.
The Chatrier court now features a plaque inlaid into the clay with Nadal’s footprint in honour of the Spaniard’s 14 titles at the venue.
court was swept to reveal Rafa’s footprint in the Terre Battue court for posterity. Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos
The 38-year-old, who celebrates a birthday within days, officially ended his career after November’s Davis Cup Final in Spain but Roland Garros officials could not let the king of clay step away without staging a ceremony.
Fans on the showcase Chatrier court also said their goodbyes to the player who completed his first match on the showcourt exactly 20 years ago to the day.
“I don’t know how to begin,, I have infinite gratitude to Roland Garros for giving me this farewell. This is without a doubt the most important tournament of my career,” Nadal said as he addressed the crowd in French, English and Spanish standing alone at the centre of the court.
“It’s been an incredible story that began in 2004 (when he could not make his debut due to injury which saw him leave on crutches).
“I dreamed of coming back the next year. In 2005 I was finally able to play here for the first time when I played friend and childhood rival Richard Gasquet (third round).
“That was when I fully understood what Roland Garros signified. I experienced everything in these 20 years and had incredible rivals like Andy, Novak and Roger who pushed me to my physical and mental limits.
“It would not have been the same without these long-lasting rivalries. Roland Garros is a fundamental part of tennis history.”
On court on opening day, American 12th seed Tommy Paul, semi-finalist this month in Rome, took a 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Dane Almer Moller, a lucky loser from qualifying rounds.
The 21-year-old making a name with his unorthodox wingspread backhand was competing in his first main draw at a major, stretching Paul to three hours on court..
“It was a weird match from the jump with the wind and the rain on and off, it being a little colder,” Paul said.
“He came out playing well, he came out ready to go.
“I started a little slow, also a little nervous. After that first set, I felt like I was able to loosen up and really start playing my game a bit better.”
Rome semi-finalist Lorenzo Musetti continued his top form on clay with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-0 start to his fortnight. Frances Tiafoe, seeded 15th, overwhelmed Roman Safiullin 6-4, 7-5, 6-4.
Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard earned a French opening day win as he outlasted Belgian Zizou Berg over three and a quarter hours 4-6, 63, 7-6 (5), 6-4, sending over four aces and breaking four times.
