Rafael Nadal, 14 times champion of French internationals and today retired, will receive a tribute on the court Philippe-Chatrier on May 25, day of the opening of the tournament.
“” Rafa “has marked the story of Roland-Garros in many ways. This is why a tribute ceremony will be organized in her honor, “said the director of French internationals, Amélie Mauresmo on Thursday.
“We want this tribute to be special, exceptional. We want it to be a surprise for everyone. »»
Holder of 22 single Tournaments in the Grand Chelem tournaments, the 38 -year -old Spaniard is already represented by a statue that rises in the aisles of the site. Nadal will also be the subject of an exhibition at the Tournament Museum and will lend his voice to the official trailer of the Internationals in France.
“We wanted to do this tribute last year, to be transparent, but he refused at the time,” said Mauresmo. “He was not sure that it was his last Roland-Garros. Now that he is retired, he is happy to receive this tribute. »»
Retired since last November, Nadal holds the record for the largest number of single titles to the Internationals in France. His last participation in the tournament dates back to 2024, when he lost in the first round against Alexander Zverev.
“Rafael Nadal and Roland-Garros are inseparable. We have a strong story together, ”said Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation.
“Amélie and I went to see him not long ago because we wanted to do something important for him. We still had a certain frustration compared to last year. »»
In addition, the organizers plan to rely on the success of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by establishing an area reserved for tennis lovers, with giant screens retransmitting the matches.
Located in Place de la Concorde, in the center of Paris, this area will be free and open to a maximum of 5,000 supporters.
“We saw an incredible atmosphere last summer in Paris. We intend to surf this success, ”said Mauresmo.
