“On May 25, at the Philip-Shatriye Court fans and tennis players said goodbye to Rafa”, – WRITE: Sport.ua
The arena, which contains 15,000 spectators, was clogged. Both fans and tennis players and ex-tennis players were present in the stands. Among them is Carlos Alaras, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Iga Synttek, Simon Halep, David Ferrer. Each viewer in the arena wore a T -shirt in brown colors with the inscription “Merci Rafa”.
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And Novak Dzhokovich, Roger Feder and Andy Marray, with whom Nadal formed the so-called Big-4, descended to Rafa on the court.
On May 23, 2005, Nadal spent and won his first match on the courts of Rolan Harros, beating the German Lars Burgsmuller with a score of 6: 1, 7: 6, 6: 1. And on May 25 (exactly 20 years ago) Rafa played the first match at the Philip-Shatriye court, overcoming Xavier Malolissa (6: 2, 6: 2, 6: 4). At the same time, Nadal took his first Rolan Garros, breaking the resistance of Feder in the semifinals.
What happened then – history. Raphael took 14 titles in the French capital (2005–2008, 2010–2014, 2017–2020, 2022). The Spaniard won 112 matches on Rolan Garros and suffered only four (!) Defeat.
Nadal completed his career in the fall of 2024, when he flew with the Spanish national team in the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup from the Netherlands team. Rafa lost his last match of Rafa Van de Zanchulpa. Then, although a modest farewell ceremony took place, but neither Dzhokovich, nor Federer, nor Marray simply came. That is why Nadal was spent yesterday in Paris as the legend belongs.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine Nadal’s speech:
“It was an incredible story that started in 2004 when I first came to Rolan Garros. I could barely walk because of my feet injury. But that year, I climbed the top tier of the court on crutches and looked at it from above. I dreamed of returning next year to compete. In 2005, I finally been able to speak here for the first time.
I was 18 years old. And my first serious experience was the match that I played against my childhood and opponent Rishar Gaske. From that day, I fully realized what Rolan Harros means. In these 20 years I have tried everything here. I had incredible rivals such as Andy, Roger and Novak. And, of course, many others who brought me to the limit of my physical and mental capabilities.
Truly, nothing can be more fascinating than these long rivalries that made all of us improve every day. Rolan Harros is unique not only because it is a fundamental part of tennis history. But also because of all people who work constantly, always with a smile to make this tournament as it is.
I cannot name everyone, but I want to express my special thanks to the former presidents of the French Tennis Federation. And people you may not know. But who supported me in all ways. They all showed such kindness and affection for me that I just have no words to thank you for everything you have done for me. Separate thanks to Tony. You are the main reason I am here. Without you, it would be impossible. It was difficult, but it’s worth it. Thank you for devoting part of your life to be with me. Undoubtedly, you were the best. ”
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine And the organizers of Rolan Garros permanently perpetuated the foot of Nadal’s feet on the central court of the tournament.
“When I saw this duck, I thought it would be only this year. But when I was told that she would remain forever, I can’t describe my emotions. This is a great honor. I was delighted, learning that she would be present on the most important court in my career. ”
Photo. To ants. As it was: Farewell Nadal’s Ceremony on Rolan Harros
