Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest players in tennis history, is set to receive a grand tribute on the opening day of the French Open 2025.
The 38-year-old Spanish legend, who retired from professional tennis last year, will be celebrated on May 25 at Court Philippe-Chatrier, marking his enduring legacy at Roland Garros, where he claimed an unprecedented 14 Grand Slam titles.
French Open Tournament Director Amélie Mauresmo announced that the ceremony will be held at the end of the day session, along with an interactive exhibition at Tenniseum, allowing fans to immerse themselves in Nadal’s historic achievements.
In addition to honoring Nadal, the tournament will also pay tribute to Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet for their contributions to the sport. Pierce, a former singles and doubles champion, will be recognized on June 5, while Gasquet, who will retire at the end of this season, will have a farewell celebration after his final match at Roland Garros.
Notably, the French Open remains the only Grand Slam tournament to retain human line judges, resisting the widespread adoption of electronic line calling seen at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open.
With Nadal’s unparalleled dominance and the celebration of tennis legends, Roland Garros 2025 promises an unforgettable experience for tennis fans worldwide.