Serbia’s legendary tennis star
Novak Djokovic has
confirmed that all the other members of the famous ‘Big Four’ will be in attendance
during the tribute for Spain’s
Rafael Nadal on Sunday. The 38-year-old, who
retired from professional tennis last year after struggling with fitness concerns,
is set to be honoured with a special tribute on the first day of the French
Open 2025.
Nadal, who is also regarded as one of the greatest players
in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, is also known as the ‘King
of Clay’ after winning 14 Roland Garros titles in his career, the most by any player in the competition's history. Interestingly, Nadal’s last major title also came while playing in Paris in 2022, where he defeated Norway’s
Casper Ruud in the final in straight sets.
Djokovic, who is the only player in the history of men’s
tennis in the singles category in the Open era to lift more major titles than Nadal,
while speaking to the media after winning his 100th ATP title in
Geneva on Saturday, confirmed that he along with the likes of former world number
one
Roger Federer and three-time Grand Slam winner
Andy Murray will be in the
attendance for the glowing tribute to one of the all time greats in the game. The
Belgrade-born star stated that it will be a ‘very emotional moment’ for
everyone.
"This will be a very special, very emotional moment
for everyone,” he said. “With Roger [Federer] and Andy [Murray], we'll be there
for the ceremony. It will be a beautiful moment. 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, and it has been a challenge to find my motivation again. Fortunately,
there are other things that inspire me. But after six months, I think I can say
it's going better."