When Rafael Nadal walked onto Court Philippe-Chatrier on Day 1 of the 2025 French Open, it wasn’t to fight for another trophy. It was to be honoured, celebrated not just as the King of Clay, but as the soul of Roland-Garros. As a lifelong fan, the writer found herself crying, just like the 15,000 in the stands, just like Rafa himself. This was more than a ceremony. It was a collective outpouring of love and gratitude for a man who gave everything to the sport.
Dressed in a slim navy suit, Rafa stood at the centre of the stadium he had ruled for two decades, vulnerable and tearful. And that’s what makes him so special. In a world that often demands male athletes be stoic, tough, and guarded, Rafa has always shattered that stereotype. He cries openly and often. And today, as he was honoured with tribute videos and standing ovations, he cried again: unashamed, full of emotion. That is his greatest legacy, not just the 14 Roland-Garros titles, but the way he has shown the world that men can be emotional, can feel deeply, and still be fierce warriors.
“I may not be able to play here anymore, but my heart and remembrance will always be here,” Rafa said, his voice trembling, speaking to the crowd in English, Spanish, and French. The stadium shook with applause. Chants of “RAFA! RAFA!” echoed around Philippe-Chatrier as the on-court cameras showed his family in tears — his wife Maria Francisca, parents Sebastián and Ana María, and uncle Toni. And in that moment, the writer felt like everyone was part of Rafa’s extended family. Because for 20 years, Rafa didn’t just win, he made people believe.
Then came another deeply emotional moment, the reunion of the Big Four. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray joined Rafa on court: the fiercest rivals and closest brothers-in-arms. For years, they pushed each other to limits never imagined. And now, together again, they honoured the man who redefined greatness with grace.
“It’s incredible how time changes the perspective of everything,” Rafa told them, voice cracking. “All of us achieved our dreams. We showed the world that we could fight as hard as possible, but in a good way, being good colleagues and respectful to one another.”
That is what set Rafa apart. He was never a larger-than-life superhero. He was something better, proof that hard work, heart, and humility can defy every odd.
As the clay was swept aside to reveal a plaque with his footprint, the Coupe des Mousquetaires, and the number 14, it felt like a closing chapter in a book only he could have written. The terre battue holds his blood, sweat, and tears enough to flood the court with stories of glory, pain, and perseverance.
Rafa’s playing days may be over, but the impact he has left on Roland-Garros, on sport, and on how the world understands strength will echo for generations.
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Rafael Nadal tribute ceremony. Full version. 👑#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/YkFVybrKas
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2025
Results of the Day
Day 1 of Roland-Garros 2025 opened with commanding performances and unexpected exits in the women’s draw. Top seed Aryna Sabalenka wasted no time, steamrolling Kamilla Rakhimova 6-1, 6-0 on Court Philippe-Chatrier in just 60 minutes.
No.13 seed Elina Svitolina was equally efficient, dropping only two games against Zeynep Sonmez to book her place in the second round. Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen got past former finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 6-3, while Germany’s Eva Lys delivered the first big shock by knocking out American seed Peyton Stearns 6-0, 6-3.
Canadian teen Victoria Mboko announced her arrival in style, winning her first Grand Slam main draw match in straight sets. Serbia’s Olga Danilovic dismantled 27th seed Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-1, and despite a tough battle, No.4 seed Jasmine Paolini survived in three sets against China’s Yuan Yue. Eleventh seed Diana Shnaider also advanced, recovering well after an earlier injury scare.
On the men’s side, Lorenzo Musetti looked sharp as he cruised past Yannick Hanfmann 7-5, 6-2, 6-0 on Chatrier. American Tommy Paul rebounded after losing the first set to defeat lucky loser Elmer Moller in four. There were mixed results for the Americans — Frances Tiafoe comfortably beat Roman Safiullin, and Reilly Opelka earned his first Roland-Garros win since 2021, but No. 28 seed Brandon Nakashima was ousted by Argentina’s Mariano Navone in four sets.
Another American seed, No. 32 Alex Michelsen, was knocked out by Argentine qualifier Juan Manuel Cerundolo in straight sets. Meanwhile, France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard earned a hard-fought four-set win over Zizou Bergs, claiming only his second completed tour-level victory since February.
What’s in Store on Monday
Day 2 at Roland-Garros 2025 promises a blockbuster line-up as the tournament picks up pace. Fans on Court Philippe-Chatrier are in for a treat with four-time champion Iga Swiatek headlining the day. Adding to the excitement, Naomi Osaka will face Paula Badosa in what promises to be one of the most talked-about first-round clashes of the tournament.
French veteran Richard Gasquet, playing his final Roland-Garros before retirement, will also take centre stage, as will rising star Jannik Sinner. Over on Court Suzanne-Lenglen, all eyes will be on Carlos Alcaraz, as the defending men’s champion launches his 2025 campaign.
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