ROLAND GARROS BOWS TO RAFAEL NADAL IN A HEART-WRENCHING GOODBYE TO A LIVING LEGEND

· Rafael Nadal received an emotional farewell at Roland Garros, where his legacy was honored with heartfelt tributes.
· Nadal, who won a record 14 French Open titles, was celebrated by fans in red “Merci Rafa” shirts and a standing ovation on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
· The 38-year-old tennis icon reflected on his 20-year journey at the tournament, calling the clay court the most important of his career.
· Joined by rivals Federer, Djokovic, and Murray, Nadal received a footprint plaque and bid farewell alongside his young son, marking the end of an era.

Mahtab Bashir
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These days in Pakistan, the phrase “Rafale Nadhaal” has taken on a triumphant tone, as the Pakistan Air Force recently downed Indian Rafale jets in a show of aerial dominance. But thousands of miles away in Paris, the name "Rafael Nadal" boomed for a very different reason.

At Roland Garros, it wasn’t fighter jets but a tennis legend being saluted. Amid tears, cheers, and a wave of brick-red T-shirts emblazoned with “Merci Rafa,” the French Open paid a heartfelt tribute to Rafael Nadal - the undisputed king of clay who ruled its courts like no other.

Few names in the history of sport are as intrinsically linked to a single tournament as Rafael Nadal is to the French Open. For two decades, the Spaniard reigned supreme on the clay courts of Roland Garros, claiming an unmatched 14 titles and creating a legacy that transcends tennis. On Sunday, the tournament returned the favour, bidding a deeply emotional farewell to its greatest champion.

Now 38 and retired from professional tennis since last year, Nadal was honoured in a touching ceremony that opened this year’s French Open. The moment was both a celebration and a goodbye, as thousands of fans rose to their feet in a standing ovation, many donning red shirts emblazoned with the heartfelt message, “Merci Rafa.”

As Nadal stepped onto Court Philippe-Chatrier, the stage where he carved out much of his legend, a montage of his most iconic moments began to roll on the big screens. The 22-time Grand Slam winner -visibly moved- fought back tears, overwhelmed by the emotion of a place that had been his battlefield and his home.

In a voice trembling with sentiment, Nadal began his speech in French: “This is tough… I don’t know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years.” He then switched between English and Spanish, reflecting on a journey that began when he was just 18 years old. Over the years, he compiled a staggering 112-4 record at Roland Garros, winning every single one of his 14 finals played on this very court- a place he called, “without doubt, the most important tennis court of my career.”

Nadal gave heartfelt thanks to those who stood by him throughout, including his longtime coach and uncle, Toni Nadal. As emotions peaked, three of his greatest rivals - Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray - joined him on court. Their embrace was a symbol of fierce competition blended with mutual respect.

“We showed the world how to fight hard and still remain good colleagues,” Nadal said. “You pushed me to my limits, and I’m grateful for it.”

The ceremony closed with Nadal receiving a plaque of his footprint, now immortalized at Roland Garros. With his young son by his side, Nadal waved goodbye, saying, “I can no longer play in front of you, but my heart will always remain here.”