On the opening day of the 2025 French Open, the tennis world paused to honor Rafael Nadal, the 14-time Roland Garros champion, in a heartfelt ceremony that brought together the sport’s legendary “Big Four.” Novak Djokovic, fresh off his 100th career title at the Geneva Open, revealed that he, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray would join Nadal on Court Philippe-Chatrier for what he described as a “very special, very emotional moment for everyone.” The reunion, the first since Federer’s tearful farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, marked a poignant celebration of Nadal’s unparalleled legacy on the Parisian clay, where he amassed a staggering 112-4 record over two decades. As the crowd roared and emotions ran high, the event underscored the end of a golden era in men’s tennis, with Nadal, Federer, and Murray now retired, leaving Djokovic as the last active member of this iconic quartet.
The ceremony, held under the fading light of a Parisian evening, was a fitting tribute to Nadal’s dominance. A video montage traced his journey from a teenage prodigy in 2005, when he won his first title against Mariano Puerta, to his final triumph in 2022 over Casper Ruud. Nadal, visibly moved, addressed the 15,000-strong crowd in Spanish, French, and English, his voice breaking as he thanked his family, particularly his uncle and coach, Toni. “Toni, you are the reason why I am here. Thank you for giving up a large part of your life to want to be with me,” he said, tears streaming as he recalled their journey. The crowd, many wearing “Merci Rafa” T-shirts, erupted in chants of his name, while a permanent plaque bearing Nadal’s footprint in the Chatrier clay was unveiled, cementing his legacy.
The arrival of Federer, Djokovic, and Murray was the emotional crescendo. “After all these years fighting for everything, it’s unbelievable how time changes the perspective of things,” Nadal told his rivals-turned-friends, reflecting on their fierce battles. “We built amazing rivalries but I think in a good way, we fought hard for titles but were good colleagues and respected one another.” Federer, who retired in 2022, embraced Nadal first, their bond forged through six Roland Garros finals, all won by Nadal. Djokovic, who faced Nadal 60 times, including a 2-8 record at Roland Garros, admitted the Spaniard’s retirement hit him hard. “Yes, it was hard to stay motivated without him. Honestly, I didn’t think it would be like this. A part of me left with him,” he said, revealing the void left by his greatest rival. Murray, who traveled from London for the day, added levity with a story about texting Nadal after Arsenal’s Champions League win over Real Madrid: “Hey Rafa, I haven’t spoke to you in a while – just checking in to make sure you are OK,” prompting laughter from Nadal, who quipped, “I didn’t text him back when PSG beat Arsenal.”
The Big Four, with a combined 69 Grand Slam titles, dominated men’s tennis for nearly two decades, winning 34 of 35 majors from 2005 to 2013. “To have my three biggest rivals there, in the court with me, meant a lot,” Nadal said, emphasizing their mutual respect. “You don’t need to hate the opponent to try to beat him with all your forces, and that’s the message that I think we showed people.” The presence of current stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek, who idolized Nadal, added to the occasion’s weight, with Świątek admitting she’d “for sure cry” during the event. Nadal’s family—wife Mery, son Rafael Jr., parents, and sister—watched from the stands, joined by figures like Zinedine Zidane and Pau Gasol.
Nadal’s discomfort with tributes was evident. “I don’t feel very comfortable at the center of attention,” he admitted, but the love from Paris, where he felt “like one more Frenchman,” made the moment unforgettable. As Djokovic prepares for his own French Open campaign, starting Tuesday, the ceremony served as a reminder of the Big Four’s enduring legacy—a blend of fierce competition and profound camaraderie that reshaped tennis.
# Big Four Reunite for Rafael Nadal’s Emotional French Open Farewell
On May 25, 2025, Rafael Nadal’s 14-time French Open legacy was celebrated on Court Philippe-Chatrier, with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray joining for a “very special, very emotional moment,” as Djokovic described. The first Big Four reunion since 2022’s Laver Cup honored Nadal’s 112-4 Roland Garros record.
A video montage relived Nadal’s 2005-2022 triumphs, leaving the Spaniard tearful. “Toni, you are the reason why I am here,” he told his uncle and coach, thanking his family. A plaque with his footprint immortalized his reign. Addressing his rivals, Nadal said, “After all these years fighting for everything, it’s unbelievable how time changes the perspective of things. We built amazing rivalries but were good colleagues.”
Djokovic, after his 100th title in Geneva, admitted, “A part of me left with him,” reflecting on Nadal’s retirement. Murray’s humorous text after Arsenal’s win—“Hey Rafa, I haven’t spoke to you in a while – just checking in to make sure you are OK”—drew laughs. “To have my three biggest rivals there meant a lot,” Nadal said, praising their respect. “You don’t need to hate the opponent to try to beat him.”
With Alcaraz and Świątek in attendance, the ceremony, marked by “Merci Rafa” T-shirts, celebrated a golden era. “I don’t feel very comfortable at the center of attention,” Nadal admitted, but Paris’s love made it “unforgettable.”
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