Kim Clijsters Calls Rafael Nadal’s Tribute Ceremony Attended by His 3 Biggest Rivals ‘Just So Perfect’

Rafael Nadal played his career's last match on clay against Novak Djokovic at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Kim Clijsters Calls Rafael Nadal’s Tribute Ceremony Attended by His 3 Biggest Rivals ‘Just So Perfect’

Andy Murray, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters (Image via Tennis.com, X/The Tennis Letter)

Rafael Nadal called time on his career at the Davis Cup last year after Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. He didn’t receive a farewell at Roland Garros last year because he was unsure about his retirement.

In his last match at the French Open, Nadal unsurprisingly lost to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev in the first round. About a couple of months later, he returned to Roland Garros to play in the Paris Olympics and was defeated in the second round by eventual winner and his longtime rival Novak Djokovic.

Roland Garros then organized a special ceremony on Day 1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier to pay tribute to the King of Clay this season. His three biggest rivals- Roger Federer, Djokovic, and Andy Murray were present there.

The 39-year-old gave a speech in three different languages and later a plaque of his footprint was unveiled. Former No.1 from WTA, Kim Clijsters, like many from the tennis world, absolutely loved the ceremony. She told Love All Podcast:

I really, really loved the whole tribute. Seeing Roger and Novak and Andy walk out and I don't know, it was just so perfect. I feel like for him, to hear him talk about his family members and how much they've meant…just the impact that they've all had…it was just really beautiful.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion became the third member of the Big 4 to call time on his career after Federer (retired at the 2022 Laver Cup) and Murray (at the 2024 Paris Olympics). Djokovic has not yet retired and has been chasing his historic 25th Major. He made huge strides toward the 2025 French Open title but his run was ended in the semifinals by eventual runner-up Jannik Sinner.

Sam Querrey makes his feelings known on whether Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner would be the favorite to beat Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

Just before the French Open final, John McEnroe claimed that Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner would have been the favorite to beat Rafael Nadal in his prime at Roland Garros. Sam Querrey too is of the same opinion.

Jannik Sinner Carlos Alcaraz Roland Garros French Open 2025
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz (Image via Roland Garros/X)
I don’t know. I think I like Alcaraz over Rafa. I hate to say that. Rafa never played anyone who hit the ball like Carlos. I’m not saying they are going to beat him, but I’m just saying if they played 10 times Rafa wins six.
Sam Querrey said on the Nothing Major podcast

Nadal has faced Alcaraz thrice and defeated him two times. In two of these matches they played on clay and Alcaraz was successful in beating him once. Sinner, however, had never tasted victory against Nadal in their three meetings. Twice they had met at Roland Garros.

Alcaraz wrapped up the French Open final in his favor in five sets, which included three tie-breakers. The match, which lasted for five hours and 29 minutes is now the longest French Open final in the history of tennis.

Alcaraz took an 8-4 head-to-head lead over the three-time Grand Slam champion. It was also his fourth consecutive victory over the Italian. Sinner was searching for his second clay-court title (the first was his 2022 Umag Open win), while Alcaraz captured his 11th title on the surface. The World No.1 was defeated in a Grand Slam final for the first time.

They will next shift their focus to the grass season. Sinner has lifted just one grass-court title- the 2024 Halle Open he won by beating Hubert Hurkacz. The five-time Grand Slam champion is the winner of three titles on the surface: one Queen’s Club Championships he won in 2023 and the rest is his victories at Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024 (beat Novak Djokovic in both the finals).

Also read: Juan Carlos Ferrero Delivers Warning to Carlos Alcaraz Despite Historic Roland Garros Triumph