On May 25, 2025, Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros became a stage for an emotional farewell to Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion whose dominance on the red clay has defined an era. Among the tennis luminaries and fans in attendance was Iga Swiatek, the four-time women’s champion, who arrived clutching tissues, anticipating the tears that would flow during the heartfelt ceremony. “I need to be aware that, for sure, I’m going to cry,” Swiatek confessed days earlier, her voice heavy with emotion as she spoke of her childhood hero. The Polish star, whose own clay-court legacy draws inspiration from Nadal, joined a star-studded crowd to honor the “King of Clay” in a moment that celebrated his unparalleled career and lasting impact on the sport.
The ceremony, held after the day’s matches, marked 20 years since Nadal’s first French Open victory in 2005, a straight-sets triumph over Xavier Malisse that set the stage for a 112-4 career record at the tournament. Nadal, now 38 and retired since November 2024 following his final match at the Davis Cup Finals, was visibly moved as he stepped onto the court in a suit, greeted by a standing ovation from 15,000 fans wearing “Merci Rafa” T-shirts. “They give me the love and the support every single second I have been on court,” Nadal said of the Parisian crowd, his words reflecting the deep bond he’s forged with Roland Garros. The event was a fitting tribute, free of the awkwardness of previous farewells after losses to Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic in 2024, allowing Nadal to bask in the moment without the sting of defeat.
Swiatek, who has long cited Nadal as her greatest inspiration, was among the notable figures in the stands, including Carlos Alcaraz, seen as Nadal’s heir, and fellow “Big Four” members Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. The presence of these rivals-turned-friends underscored the respect Nadal commands. “To have my three biggest rivals there on the court with me meant a lot,” Nadal said, emphasizing the camaraderie that defined their fierce rivalries. “We fought hard for titles but were good colleagues and respected one another.” The ceremony also reunited Nadal with his family—wife Maria, son Rafael Jr., parents, and uncle Toni, his lifelong coach—who sat in the front row. In a tearful moment, Nadal thanked Toni, saying, “You are the reason why I am here. Thank you for never stopping believing in me in the difficult moments.”
For Swiatek, the event was deeply personal. Her admiration for Nadal began in childhood, shaping her aggressive topspin-heavy game and mental resilience. “It’s good to look at his forehand as an example, how he’s using this spin to make a difference,” she said in 2024, noting similarities in their clay-court styles. Swiatek’s own Roland Garros record—four titles in five years, including three consecutive wins from 2022 to 2024—mirrors Nadal’s dominance, earning her the moniker “Queen of Clay.” Yet, as she prepares to defend her title in 2025, Swiatek faces uncertainty, having slipped to World No. 5 after a challenging clay season. “I would love to be there, because we should all kind of get together and celebrate Rafa and what he did for our sport and what kind of inspiration he was and still is,” she said, prioritizing the tribute despite her packed schedule.
The ceremony featured poignant moments, including a showreel of Nadal’s iconic victories and a permanent plaque of his footprint next to a net post on Court Philippe-Chatrier. “When I saw that, I thought it was going to be just for this year,” Nadal said, visibly touched. “Knowing that’s going to be forever there, it’s a present that I can’t describe in words.” Federer, Djokovic, and Murray joined Nadal on court, their embraces a testament to their shared history. Murray, who traveled from London for the event, laughed about his unexpected appearance, having recently ended his coaching stint with Djokovic. “I didn’t know they would be here, but I could imagine they would come,” Nadal said, noting the significance of their presence.
Swiatek’s emotional preparation with tissues spoke to the universal sentiment in Paris. Fans and players alike, including Stefanos Tsitsipas, who jokingly claimed Nadal won the title “29 times,” felt the weight of his departure. “It will be tough to see him go away,” Tsitsipas said. As Swiatek wiped away tears, she reflected on Nadal’s influence beyond the court—his humility, tenacity, and ability to stay grounded. Her own journey, from a 19-year-old breakthrough champion in 2020 to a clay-court titan, owes much to Nadal’s example. As Roland Garros moves into a new era without its greatest champion, Swiatek’s presence at the ceremony symbolized the passing of the torch, even as she aims to carve her own historic path.
# Iga Swiatek’s Emotional Tribute at Rafael Nadal’s French Open Farewell
## A Historic Farewell
On May 25, 2025, Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion, was honored at Court Philippe-Chatrier in a moving ceremony marking 20 years since his first title in 2005. Iga Swiatek, the four-time women’s champion, attended with tissues, anticipating tears for her idol. “I need to be aware that, for sure, I’m going to cry,” she said, reflecting her deep admiration for the “King of Clay.”
## Nadal’s Unmatched Legacy
Nadal’s 112-4 record at Roland Garros, including 14 titles, is unmatched. The ceremony, attended by 15,000 fans in “Merci Rafa” T-shirts, celebrated his legacy. “They give me the love and the support every single second I have been on court,” Nadal said of the Parisian crowd. Unlike previous farewells after 2024 losses, this event allowed Nadal to shine without competitive pressure.
## A Star-Studded Tribute
Swiatek joined Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray in the stands. The “Big Four” reunited on court, their embraces highlighting their respect. “To have my three biggest rivals there on the court with me meant a lot,” Nadal said, praising their camaraderie. He grew emotional thanking his uncle Toni: “You are the reason why I am here.”
## Swiatek’s Personal Connection
Swiatek, whose four French Open titles echo Nadal’s dominance, credits his influence on her game and mindset. “It’s good to look at his forehand as an example, how he’s using this spin to make a difference,” she said in 2024. Despite her own challenges as World No. 5, she prioritized the ceremony, saying, “I would love to be there, because we should all kind of get together and celebrate Rafa.”
## Lasting Symbols
A showreel of Nadal’s victories and a permanent footprint plaque moved the Spaniard. “Knowing that’s going to be forever there, it’s a present that I can’t describe in words,” he said. The presence of his family and peers like Murray, who traveled from London, added to the emotional weight.
## A New Era
Swiatek’s tears and Tsitsipas’s quip that Nadal won “29 times” captured the bittersweet mood. As Roland Garros faces an uncertain future without Nadal, Swiatek’s presence signaled her intent to carry forward his legacy while chasing her own historic fifth title.
[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-i-m-gonna-cry-iga-swiatek-makes-honest-confession-attending-rafael-nadal-s-french-open-ceremony)[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/c0k3n806l3zo)[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6381408/2025/05/25/rafael-nadal-roland-garros-ceremony-tennis-big-four/)
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