Rafael Nadal preparing for ‘special’ tribute at Roland-Garros opening-day ceremony - ‘Most important place in my career’
Published 21/04/2025 at 22:30 GMT+1
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Rafael Nadal won 14 French Open titles in his extraordinary career that saw him claim 22 Grand Slam titles in all. Nadal retired in November 2024 and now Roland-Garros is planning to honour Nadal with a special ceremony on the opening day of this year's tournament, which will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The event gets under way in Paris on May 25.
Rafael Nadal zwyciężył w Paryżu aż 14 razy, co jest rekordem
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Rafael Nadal said he was delighted with the news that Roland-Garros are planning to give him a special tribute on the opening day of this year's French Open.
Nadal, who retired last year, enjoyed an incredible career record in Paris, where he won 14 French Open titles.
Roland-Garros will honour Nadal with a special ceremony on May 25, when the French Open gets under way - a tournament that will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+ - while he will also feature in an exhibition displayed at the official museum.
"I know it's going to be a special evening on the 25th. I'm sure it's going to be an exciting moment," Nadal told Eurosport Spain ahead of the Laureus Awards.
"No, I'm not much for tributes, but Roland-Garros is obviously the most important place in my career, without a doubt.
"So, if something big is to be done, it has to be there, or at least give them priority to do it there. And that's how it was planned from the beginning, and nothing more. I'm delighted that it's the way it is."
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Nadal, who also said Carlos Alcaraz is his favourite to win the Madrid Open, insisted he is enjoying his life after tennis and still sets himself goals, nearly six months on from calling time on his legendary career.
Nadal retired in November after a career that saw him win 22 Grand Slam titles.
But he is not complaining about his new life, saying: "Everything's fine. The truth is, I don't miss it because I'm not ready for it.
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"You miss things when you want to be there, when you really can. As of today, I can't, so that's fine.
"I'm enjoying this new stage of my life, adapting to how I organise it, but overall, everything's fine and I'm enjoying it.
"I'm not a person who stays stuck on the couch, or who wakes up with no goals or anything. You need to have motivations and goals, which are important to avoid being stuck in a rut.
"My future has already been prepared for that, and I'm working on it, but I'm also enjoying time for myself."
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Watch and stream the 2025 French Open on TNT Sports and discovery+
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