Rafael Nadal Looks Back on the 20-Year-Old Love Affair with His Second Home Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal was unbeaten at Roland Garros until 2009, when he lost to Robin Soderling in the fourth round.

Rafael Nadal Looks Back on the 20-Year-Old Love Affair with His Second Home Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal (via X)

Rafael Nadal received a heartfelt farewell at Roland Garros, where he was honored for his incredible achievements on the clay courts of Paris. The ceremony celebrated his unmatched record at the tournament, where he won 14 titles from 2005 to 2022. Throughout his career at Roland Garros, Nadal amassed an astonishing 112-4 win-loss record.

A special trophy was presented to Nadal, engraved with his signature, the years he won, and the title “Legend.” Surrounded by family, friends, and rivals such as Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray, the moment captured the respect Nadal has earned over his career. His emotional reaction showed how much the tribute meant to him. Nadal said in his Roland Garros ceremony:

It's been an incredible story that began back in 2004 when I came to Roland Garros for the very first time. I could barely walk during my foot injury. But that year I climbed to the top of court on crutches and looking at it from up there. I dreamed of coming back the following year to compete. In 2005, I was finally able to compete here for the first time. I was 18 years old. And my first major experience was the match I played against my childhood friend and rival Richard Gasquet. From that day on, I fully understood what Roland Garros meant. I've experienced everything over these twenty years. I've had incredible rivals, like Andy, Roger and Novak.

Fans filled Court Philippe-Chatrier, many wearing clay-colored shirts, as they chanted “Merci Rafa” in appreciation. The atmosphere was electric, as supporters celebrated not just his retirement from the French Open, but the legacy he leaves behind. The event marked the end of an era and highlighted his deep connection with Roland Garros. He added:

And of course, many others who pushed me to my physical and mental limits. Truly, nothing could've been as thrilling as these long-lasting rivalries that have driven all of us to improve every single day. Roland Garros is unique, not only because it's a fundamental part of tennis history. But also because of all the people who work tirelessly always with a smile to make this tournament what it is. Unique. I can't name everyone, but I do want to give a special thanks to former French Federation Tennis presidents.

Nadal’s journey at the French Open began in 2005 when he won the title on his 19th birthday. That year, he beat both Federer and Mariano Puerta to claim his first crown. From 2005 to 2014, he lost only once at the tournament. His 10th title, known as ‘La Decima’, came in 2017, and he added four more championships, with his last win in 2022.

Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz attend Rafael Nadal ceremony

22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal received an emotional farewell ceremony at Roland Garros. A large number of tennis fans and current players were in attendance to witness history unfold before their eyes. Among them were Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek.

Carlos Alcaraz Iga Swiatek Rafael Nadal
Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek(via X)

Swiatek has never hidden her admiration for the King of Clay. The Polish player says she always draws inspiration from Nadal’s personality and mentality before entering any of her big matches.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s respect and affection for Nadal go beyond words. The duo played doubles together at the Paris Olympics last year, reaching the quarterfinals. They were also set to team up at the Laver Cup, but Nadal withdrew at the last minute due to injury.

Alcaraz and Nadal have faced each other three times on the ATP Tour, with Nadal holding a 2–1 edge. Their most recent encounter came in the 2022 Madrid Open quarterfinals, where the younger Spaniard claimed victory and went on to win the tournament.

Ranking Rafael Nadal’s greatest Roland Garros milestones

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal received an emotional farewell at Roland Garros on Sunday. While he may has retired, his presence will always be felt at the French Open. No player has defined the tournament quite like Nadal. His performances on the Parisian clay have become the stuff of legend.

Rafael Nadal University 2025
Rafael Nadal (Image via X/Rafael Nadal)

Out of his 22 Grand Slam titles, 14 came at Roland Garros between 2005 and 2022. That achievement stands unmatched in tennis history. Bjorn Borg trails far behind with six French Open titles in the Open Era. Nadal’s dominance at one major is greater than any other male player, with Novak Djokovic’s 10 Australian Open wins being the next best.

Nadal won five consecutive French Open titles from 2010 to 2014, marking his most dominant streak. He also had four-title runs from 2005–2008 and again from 2017–2020. Only Borg has come close in Paris with four consecutive titles from 1978 to 1981. The Spaniard’s consistency on clay remains unparalleled.

His 39-match win streak at Roland Garros, from 2010 to 2015, is a tournament record. Even after a 2009 loss to Robin Soderling, Nadal bounced back to dominate again. His second-longest streak of 35 wins came from 2016 to 2021. A withdrawal in 2016 broke that stretch but didn’t count as a loss. These records solidify his status as the King of Clay.

Also Read: (Watch) ‘Teary-Eyed’ Rafael Nadal Pays Emotional Tribute to Uncle Toni in Roland Garros Speech