Marc Maury made his famous presentation to Rafael Nadal, letting his voice be heard for the last time as he recounted all his exploits with a racket. The crowd applauded, wearing earth-colored and white T-shirts, forming a mosaic with the words Rafa and a heart, as well as the number 14, which are his crowns in the French Internationals.
A video reviewed all his successes on the Philippe Chatrier while the tennis player, dressed in a black suit for the occasion, watched it with emotion. Nadal could not speak because the fans kept applauding
The broadcast then focused on little Rafael, his son, who was not really aware of the significance of what was happening. “It’s hard, I don’t know how to start,” said Nadal in French.
“All my gratitude for this tribute on the most important tennis court of my career. It has been an incredible story that started in 2004 and continued in 2005, playing with Richard Gasquet. That day I understood what Roland Garros means. I have had great rivals like Novak, Andy and Roger. This tournament is unique because of its people and I want to thank all the presidents of the French federation that there have been during my career,” he continued in English.
This tournament is unique because of its people
The memory of his grandparents
The Spanish musketeer finished in Spanish: “Here in the stands, which have been given to us, are my family, team and friends. It’s hard to start with someone and I’ll do it for my friends, who have always been a pillar for me; to the sponsors, who in times of difficulty always believed in me; to the coaches who have been with me; to my team always. Thank you for everything. What we have experienced together has been unforgettable.” He was moved when he remembered his two deceased grandparents
Nadal had some nice words for his uncle and mentor: “Thank you Toni. What we have experienced has not always been easy, but without a doubt, it has been worth it. You have been the best coach I could ever have had.” He also had words for his wife Mery Perello: And he finished with his parents, Ana Maria and Sebastia, and his sister Maribel
You made me feel like one of you
The tennis player’s farewell was again in French: “Thank you France and thank you Paris. You have offered me emotions that I could never have imagined. You have made me feel like a Frenchman.”
The biggest rivals of his career
Nadal wanted all the people responsible for the different departments of the French Open, who have treated him so well during his career, to participate actively. The tennis player greeted them one by one and could not hold back his tears
The players with whom he had formed the ‘Big Four’ appeared on the screens: Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic. The three of them came out of the locker room tunnel. It had been 975 days since the last time the four of them had been together on a court. It was at Roger’s farewell in London during the Laver Cup.
“We have all fulfilled our dreams. We have taught the world that we can be rivals and colleagues with respect at the same time,” said Rafa. “I really enjoyed pushing myself to the limit to compete with you. Having the three of you here means everything.”
Leave your mark forever
Amelie Mauresmo and Gilles Moureton presented a trophy with the figures of his 14 titles and unveiled a plaque on the ground with Nadal’s footprint, which will remain forever on one side of the net. He left carrying his son in his arms. Only time will tell if he will ever play on the majestic Chatrier
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