FEDERER, DJOKOVIC, ALCARAZ, ŚWIĄTEK SPEAK ON NADAL'S 'UNBELIEVABLE' TRIBUTE
- Connor Joyce
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Familiar faces from across many generations came out to show their love for Rafael Nadal as he was honoured in a special ceremony on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros.
And for those both watching and partaking in the proceedings, it was a truly unforgettable experience.
Speaking in his pre-Roland Garros press conference as the final active member of tennis' 'big four', Novak Djokovic shared his thoughts on the tribute.
"It was a beautiful moment, really one of the nicest moments I have experienced on this court...walking in with Federer and Murray alongside, being there for Nadal to experience all the glory of yesterday's celebrations of his career," he said.
"We were all happy for him because he absolutely deserved it. I felt like last year's Roland Garros, he didn't know whether it was the last one or not, and then I didn't feel like he was getting a proper farewell, even at the Davis Cup. I think this was a very fitting goodbye for such a legend.
"Rafa deserved what he got yesterday in full intensity of its glory; each one of us dreams of being remembered in such a way and celebrated. I got emotional as well when we were listening to him speak and seeing the reactions of his family, of his team members. It was a really heartwarming moment," he continued.
"Even though we were the fiercest rivals, it's that personal touch that is out there when you kind of spill your heart out on the court."
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Speaking to L'Equipe following the ceremony, Roger Federer felt that the occasion was a deserved tribute to the career of his greatest rival.
"It was perfect. Honestly, giving Rafa that plaque to keep forever—that was amazing. Unlike him, it didn't surprise me because I knew it was coming. But I was happy for him, seeing how emotional he was," Federer revealed.
"For me, the most moving moment was when I walked toward him as we came onto the court. It felt like it lasted forever, with the whole stadium watching us—it was a powerful moment for Novak, Andy, and me.
"Did I shed a tear? Almost! Especially when I greeted Rafa, because I could feel how deeply touched he was by the ceremony."
Carlos Alcaraz - who was born just two years before Nadal won his first title in Paris - was emotional in seeing his childhood hero honoured in such a manner.
"Well, Rafa has been my idol since the very beginning of my career, for my interest in tennis," Alcaraz said after a round-one French Open victory.
"Yesterday was a really special day, I think, for everyone. It was a special moment for me. It was emotional yesterday, I mean, seeing him saying goodbye in the way he did it yesterday was unbelievable.
"So I just loved the way Roland Garros did that farewell for him. Everything was just incredible...the big four all together in the Philippe-Chatrier was unbelievable. It was great being in some way with him in the last, let's say, in his last steps in Roland Garros."
Iga Świątek, who has long described her love for Nadal, was tearing up as she watched on from the bottom tier of Roland Garros' centre court.
"I wouldn't call it serious crying, but for sure there were tears [yesterday]. I think twice during the ceremony, but I really tried to hold it together so I don't look that bad," she said, smiling.
"It was an amazing ceremony, and I'm happy that Roland Garros did this for Rafa. I'm happy that the whole tennis world had the opportunity to kind of come together and just thank him...because we all should be grateful for everything that he has done. It's pretty abstract seeing him now on the court after so many years of fight and, you know, just grinding through everything," the Pole continued.
"Yeah, he's a GOAT, so I'm happy that I was there."
Casper Ruud, who lived the painful experience of playing Nadal in a Roland Garros final, felt the plaque cemented on centre court was a perfect gesture.
"The Chatrier court is like Rafa’s backyard. When you step in there, he can toy with you. He can do whatever he wants," said the 2022 finalist.
"When they put the badge on the court, it was a very nice moment. It kind of proves to everyone that this is my playground.
"Of course, his record will stand unbeaten for many, many years to come, if not forever. I mean, 14-0 in (Roland Garros) finals, it's just incredible. I don't even know how to explain how crazy it is.
"It was a really cool moment to watch yesterday, it was very emotional."
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