The 2025 French Open has begun, and as the first round gets underway, all eyes will be on 14-time champion Rafael Nadal on Day 1. Nadal just arrived at Roland Garros to participate in very different festivities.
😍 Rafael Nadal has arrived at Roland Garros for his tribute ceremony pic.twitter.com/MvvqaRRAn3
— Olly Tennis 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) May 25, 2025
Welcome home, Rafa 👑#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/4sq1AIcGpY
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2025
Rafa Nadal has arrived at Roland Garros for his tribute ceremony.
Big smile 🥹
(via @rolandgarros) pic.twitter.com/HIfItpt9gE
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 25, 2025
The French Tennis Federation, along with French Open tournament director (and former player) Amelie Mauresmo, have organized a ceremony to honor Nadal who retired from professional tennis in November 2024.
Nadal already has a statue of himself on the Roland Garros grounds so what can fans expect in the ceremony. Earlier in the week, Mauresmo was tight-lipped. She said there will be plenty of surprises for Nadal, but it will be a fitting event for him, a player who exemplified sportsmanship and class.
Roland Garros Social Media’s Nod To Rafael Nadal
If it is as clever as the Roland Garros social media account’s acknowledgement of Nadal, tennis fans are in for a treat.
On Saturday, the tournament’s site posted this work of art.
See you tomorrow, hasta mañana 👀🇪🇸#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/6acUkxepvL
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2025
What We Know About The Rafael Nadal Ceremony
Though it is top secret, Novak Djokovic confirmed yesterday that he will be in attendance along with Andy Murray and Roger Federer. Carlos Alcaraz is also expected to be there.
Iga Swiatek might be there; she expressed interest in going but had to factor in her match and training schedule.
It is unclear if other current players will be there. We also do not know if a court or area on the grounds could be renamed for Nadal as part of the ceremony.
The timing of the ceremony is after the day session of men’s matches which is anticipated to be at approximately 12 PM EDT. Watch the ceremony live on TNT.
