For Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros isn’t just a tournament; it’s a kingdom. Since his debut triumph in 2005, he has amassed an incredible 14 titles there, part of his 22 Grand Slam haul. His record at the event is legendary – a 112-4 win-loss ratio (almost 97%), including four instances of winning the title without losing a set. As Nadal himself eloquently put it, “Roland Garros is the most important tournament of my tennis career… [it] stay[s] in my heart forever.” Now, in a fitting acknowledgement of this deep connection and unparalleled success, Nadal is set to be honored during this year’s French Open. But on what date will this ceremony take place?

In February this year, French Tennis Federation President, Giles Moretton, revealed that, “We will have a ‘tribute‘ year. I’m not giving away any secrets, there will definitely be something for Rafael Nadal, a real tribute, very important. We are attached to it.” Having said that, he also highlighted Nadal’s refusal to accept a tribute that was planned for him last year due to his uncertainties on whether the 2024 French Open was the last time he would play at the Clay court Slam or not.

Talking about the plans for 2025, Moretton had already hinted, “There will be a great moment at Roland-Garros in 2025 for Rafael Nadal.” What is that “great moment“?

Organisers confirmed on Thursday that Rafael Nadal will be honored at a ceremony that will be held on Court Philippe Chatrier at the end of the day session on Sunday, 25 May. “Rafa has left his mark on the history of the French Open in so many ways, that’s why a tribute ceremony will be held in his honor,” French Open director Amélie Mauresmo said on Thursday. “We want the tribute to be special, exceptional. We want it to be a surprise for everyone.”

And this isn’t even the best part.

Moretton further announced plans for Rafael Nadal to assume an ambassadorial role at Roland Garros in the future. “Here we announce something that seemed a priority to us, to first pay tribute to Rafael Nadal,” he said. “It’s a love story. I think it’s important to talk about a love story because he has deep respect for the tournament, for clay, and we have the same respect for the player, for the ambassador he can become for Roland Garros and for the federation.”

Other than Nadal, the tournament will also pay tribute to Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet for their invaluable contributions to the sport.

On June 5th, nestled between the two women’s semi-finals on Centre Court, the tournament will first commemorate the 25th anniversary of Mary Pierce’s historic double title wins before inducting her into the International Tennis Hall of Fame with the prestigious ring ceremony. Later in the tournament, a well-deserved tribute will also be paid to Richard Gasquet upon the conclusion of his final match at Roland-Garros, celebrating the Frenchman’s remarkable career – hopefully occurring as late as possible in his 22nd and final French Open appearance.

Interesting fact: Rafael Nadal’s last appearance at the Paris tournament saw him face an uphill battle from the start. As an unseeded player last year, he had the misfortune of drawing the then world number four, Alexander Zverev, in the first round, ultimately losing 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.

Given that the clay slam begins in 5 weeks from now, can last year’s champion, Carlos Alcaraz, defend his title and re-establish his legacy as the ‘Prince of Clay’?

Carlos Alcaraz on the possibility of emulating Rafael Nadal’s astonishing French Open feat 

The Murcian became the youngest player in ATP History to attain the world number-one ranking when he won his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open as a 19-year-old. Fast forward three years, and he has now clinched three more Grand Slam titles in his career, including the 2024 French Open. Since last year’s Roland Garros, Alcaraz now has a singles record of 18-1 on clay. The sole defeat was at the hands of Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Considering his playing style and dominance on the dirt, tennis legend Bjorn Borg recently said, “I believe that Alcaraz will achieve the same or more than Nadal. He has the right mentality and can play on all surfaces. With a bit of luck, he will be the king of tennis.” Will he?

According to another Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco, it’s “almost impossible” for Alcaraz to win as many Grand Slams as Rafael Nadal. What does Alcaraz think about these comparisons? Does he feel he has a chance of matching Nadal’s 14 title triumphs at the French Open in the near future?

Although he initially suggested that he might be able to break his record, later on, he corrected his statement during an interaction with Marca and added, “Yes. What Rafa has done on clay is the greatest in sports and not just in tennis. Winning 14 Roland Garros, 11 times in Monte Carlo, eight in a row, that’s incredible. Only people who aren’t from this world are capable of doing it.”

Do you think Alcaraz can match Nadal’s legacy at the French Open? Share your thoughts below!