Rafael Nadal was paid an emotional tribute at Roland Garros on Sunday, with family, fans and long-time competitors and friends Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray in attendance to honour the legendary Spaniard.
And before the ceremony, Nadal was seen introducing his son, Rafa Junior to the other Big 3, the video posted by Roland Garros that has now gone viral.
On the anniversary of the day he first walked on to the court 20 years ago for a second-round match against Xavier Malisse, Nadal returned as a hero to be celebrated by a crowd that has always embraced him as one of their own.
As part of the moving ceremony, organisers unveiled a permanent tribute -- Nadal’s footprint set into the clay of Court Philippe Chatrier, a lasting mark to honour the 14-times champion who retired from tennis last year.
Ten thousand 'Merci Rafa' T-shirts turned the stands into a living canvas, while high in the upper tiers, fans in white shirts formed a mosaic: 'RAFA' flanked by hearts and the characters '14 RG'.
Before entering the court to hug the 14-time Roland Garros winner, Federer, Djokovic and Murray gave a moving video presentation to a full house at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
"Hi Rafa, after all these years and all these fights, we couldn't let you leave like that, we really wanted to leave you a message and let you know your old pals will always be with you," Federer, Djokovic and Murray said together in the tribute video.
Nadal took to X on Monday and expressed his gratitude to his long-time rivals for their presence at the tribute.
'Thank you guys. From the bottom of my heart @rogerfederer @DjokerNole @andy_murray' Nadal tweeted with a kiss and a high-five emoji.
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