The director of the French Tennis Federation (FFT), Gilles Moretton, has announced that Rafael Nadal will receive a special tribute at the next edition of Roland Garros. The French tennis leadership aims to give the 14-time champion a proper send-off following his retirement at the end of 2024.
Nadal’s last appearance at Roland Garros was a bitter one, as he suffered a first-round defeat against Alexander Zverev. At the time, Nadal stated he wasn’t sure if it would be his final match at the tournament, which meant he did not receive a farewell at the event where he enjoyed unparalleled success.
Despite that, the Spaniard retired with an astonishing 112-4 record at the French Open—the best win-loss record of any player at a single Grand Slam—along with his historic 14 titles. For this reason, the FFT director wants to give Nadal a fitting tribute: "We are going to experience a year of tribute. I won’t reveal any secrets, but there will certainly be something special for Rafael Nadal," Moretton stated.
"A true tribute, a significant one. We were prepared for it last year, but he wasn’t—he was still in competition mode. Then came the Davis Cup, and he wanted to finish on his own terms. The tribute we gave him wasn’t what we had envisioned. There will be a major moment for Rafael Nadal in 2025."
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The former world No. 1 played his final tournament at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals, where he lost to Botic Van de Zandschulp, and Spain was eliminated in the quarterfinals. "We visited him at his home in early December, along with Amélie Mauresmo (tournament director), to discuss the tribute we are planning for him and to talk about the future," Moretton revealed.
"And he is open to discussing the future. In due time, we will outline the role he could take on as an ambassador with us. The two ‘brands,’ Rafael Nadal and Roland Garros, are one and the same. So yes, we are considering future collaborations with him."
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The 2025 French Open will begin on 25 May and will be the first edition played after Nadal’s retirement. The defending champion is Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Zverev in last year’s final.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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