Tennis
Big Four Reunite as Rafael Nadal Gets Tearful Farewell at 2025 French Open
Roland Garros witnessed a historic and emotional moment as Rafael Nadal, the undisputed King of Clay, was honoured with a moving farewell ceremony at the 2025 French Open. In a heartwarming twist, tennis legends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joined Nadal on Court Philippe Chatrier—reuniting the iconic Big Four for one last time in front of 15,000 adoring fans.
The crowd, dressed in terracotta “Merci Rafa” T-shirts, erupted in chants of “Rafa! Rafa! Rafa!” as the 14-time French Open champion emerged, suited and misty-eyed. At 37, Nadal addressed the packed stadium and his former rivals-turned-friends with raw emotion.
“After all these years fighting for everything, it’s unbelievable how time changes the perspective,” he said. “We built amazing rivalries… but we respected each other and pushed each other to the limit. That means everything.”
Federer, Djokovic & Murray Pay Tribute
The presence of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray brought an extra layer of nostalgia. Federer, who had shared tears with Rafael Nadal during his own 2022 farewell, was the first to embrace him. Fresh off winning his 100th career title just hours earlier, Djokovic made a swift trip to Paris to honour his longtime rival. And Murray, who jokingly thought he’d attend as Djokovic’s coach, flew from London solely to pay tribute.
“What Rafa achieved here is extraordinary,” said Andy Murray. “It’s a record I genuinely believe will stand forever.”
Adding a dose of humour to the ceremony, Rafael Nadal shared a recent exchange with Murray after Arsenal beat Real Madrid. “He messaged to check if I was OK. It took me a few seconds to get the joke. I didn’t reply when PSG beat Arsenal,” he laughed.
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A Farewell Fit for a Legend
The 50-minute tribute featured a highlight reel of Rafael Nadal’s career, drawing standing ovations from the crowd. Fellow players Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek—both seen as successors to Nadal’s legacy—watched from the stands.
At his farewell, Rafael Nadal, visibly emotional, thanked his family, his team, the French fans, and especially his uncle Toni, who coached him from the age of three. “For someone who doesn’t like the spotlight, today was overwhelming. But unforgettable.”
In a final symbolic gesture, French Open officials unveiled a silver plaque beside the net post bearing Nadal’s footprint—an eternal reminder of his clay court dominance.
This once-in-a-generation moment marked the end of a golden era in tennis and underscored the deep friendships that evolved from fierce competition. The Big Four may no longer share a court competitively, but their legacy remains unmatched in spirit.
