The 2025 French Open at Roland Garros began with an emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal, the 14-time champion whose unparalleled legacy on the Parisian clay has left an indelible mark on tennis. On May 25, as the tournament kicked off, the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd erupted in chants of “Rafa! Rafa! Rafa!” for the retired Spanish legend, who was joined by his family—wife Maria Francisca Perello, parents Sebastian and Ana Maria, sister Maribel, and uncle Toni—and tennis icons Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray. Amid the heartfelt ceremony, it was Nadal’s two-year-old son, Rafael Jr., who stole the spotlight, charming fans worldwide with an adorable high-five exchange with Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion and Nadal’s heir apparent. The moment, captured in a viral clip, showcased the warmth and continuity of Spanish tennis, as the young toddler connected with the 22-year-old star poised to carry Nadal’s clay-court mantle.
The ceremony, a 50-minute celebration of Nadal’s 112-4 record at Roland Garros, was a poignant farewell to a player who lost just four of 116 matches in Paris. As Nadal stepped onto the court in a sharp suit, the 15,000-strong crowd rose, including Alcaraz and women’s champion Iga Swiatek, who later admitted she expected to cry during the event. “I have lived many emotions here on that court,” Nadal said in French, his voice trembling as he recounted his first visit to Roland Garros in 2004, when he gazed at the court on crutches due to a foot injury, dreaming of future triumphs. He won the title in 2005 at age 19 and went on to claim 13 more, a record unlikely to be matched. Speaking in Spanish, he grew tearful thanking his uncle Toni, his coach for 16 of his 22 Grand Slam titles: “Thank you for never stopping believing in me in the difficult moments. You are the reason why I am here.”
The arrival of Federer, Djokovic, and Murray elevated the moment, reuniting the “Big Four” who defined an era. Nadal, reflecting on their rivalries, said, “After all these years fighting for everything, it’s unbelievable how time changes the perspective of things. We built amazing rivalries but in a good way, we fought hard for titles but were good colleagues and respected one another.” Federer received the first embrace, a nod to their tearful farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup, followed by hugs for Djokovic, fresh off his 100th career title, and Murray, who traveled from London to honor his junior-circuit friend. “I didn’t know they would be here—but I could imagine they would come,” Nadal said, noting their presence made the day “very special.”
Rafael Jr.’s interaction with Alcaraz, however, became the heart-melting highlight. In the waiting room before the ceremony, the toddler, clutching his father’s hand, exchanged high-fives with Alcaraz, whose smile mirrored the crowd’s delight. The moment echoed their bond, forged when Alcaraz, a lifelong Nadal admirer, faced him in 2021 at the Madrid Open, admitting, “I was so scared. His presence, the atmosphere that you feel—it’s unbelievable.” Rafael Jr. also playfully engaged with Federer, Djokovic, and Murray, even swinging a miniature racket, hinting at inherited tennis instincts. Social media erupted, with fans calling the high-five “the cutest passing of the torch” and marveling at the toddler’s ease among tennis royalty.
Alcaraz, now 22 and a four-time Grand Slam champion, carries the weight of Nadal’s legacy as he defends his 2024 French Open title. His 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 first-round win over Giulio Zeppieri on May 26 showcased his clay-court dominance, with a 15-1 record on the surface in 2025. “I expected a worse level for me, honestly,” Alcaraz said, surprised by his smooth start. Nadal, in Paris to cheer him on, backed Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as favorites, stating, “Jannik and Carlos have an advantage over the others at the moment; they seem to be at a higher level.” As Alcaraz prepares for his second-round match against Fabian Marozsan, the memory of Rafael Jr.’s high-five lingers, symbolizing a new era where Nadal’s spirit endures through both his son and his protégé.
# Nadal’s Farewell and Son’s Adorable Moment at French Open 2025
On May 25, 2025, the French Open honored Rafael Nadal, the 14-time champion, with a moving ceremony at Roland Garros. Amid tributes from Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, Nadal’s two-year-old son, Rafael Jr., stole hearts by high-fiving Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion.
## A Legendary Tribute
The 50-minute ceremony celebrated Nadal’s 112-4 Roland Garros record. As 15,000 fans chanted “Rafa! Rafa! Rafa!” Nadal, emotional in a suit, said in French: “I have lived many emotions here on that court.” In Spanish, he thanked uncle Toni: “Thank you for never stopping believing in me in the difficult moments. You are the reason why I am here.”
## The Big Four Reunion
Federer, Djokovic, and Murray joined Nadal, who reflected: “After all these years fighting for everything, it’s unbelievable how time changes the perspective of things. We built amazing rivalries but in a good way, we fought hard for titles but were good colleagues.” Nadal noted their presence was “very special,” saying, “I didn’t know they would be here—but I could imagine they would come.”
## Rafael Jr.’s Moment
Rafael Jr.’s high-five with Alcaraz in the waiting room went viral, with fans calling it a “passing of the torch.” The toddler also engaged with Federer, Djokovic, and Murray, playfully wielding a racket. Alcaraz, who once said of facing Nadal, “I was so scared. His presence, the atmosphere that you feel—it’s unbelievable,” beamed at the interaction.
## Alcaraz’s Title Defense
Alcaraz, backed by Nadal as a favorite, won 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 against Giulio Zeppieri, saying: “I expected a worse level for me, honestly.” Nadal praised him and Jannik Sinner: “Jannik and Carlos have an advantage over the others at the moment; they seem to be at a higher level.” With Rafael Jr.’s charm and Alcaraz’s form, Nadal’s legacy shines on.
[](https://sports.info/tennis/watch-carlos-alcaraz-shares-adorable-moment-with-rafael-nadals-son-in-french-open-2025-9307630)[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-watch-rafael-nadal-s-son-carlos-alcaraz-win-hearts-adorable-interaction-french-open)[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/c0k3n806l3zo)
Baby Rafa high-fiving Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros 🥰
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025
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