French Open: Retired Rafa Nadal rules the fans' senses at Roland Garros

It may be the first French Open since Rafael Nadal quit the sport in 2024, but his shadow looms large enough as the clay court slam – his favourite playground – kicked off on Sunday. The emotional impact was unavoidable as the man they called the king of clay was honoured with a ceremonial plaque by the organisers in the presence of three of his greatest rivals as back in his hometown of Mallorca in Spain, a curated corner at the Rafa Nadal Stadium with exhibits from his 14 titles at the Roland Garros is now open to public.

 While the main round action may have got underway from Sunday, it’s photos of the Spanish warrior with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray or a tearful Nadal with the plaque which has hogged the real estate in the media.  Djokovic, at 36, is the only one from the Big Four who will be mounting a challenge for the title – with the Geneva Open last week which was his 100th ATP title expected to give him the right boost.   

 “To have my three biggest rivals there on the court with me meant a lot and at the same time it’s a great message for the world: That the best rivals, toughest rivalries probably in the history of our sport are able to be good colleagues, to respect each other,” said Nadal.

Rafa NadalTo have my three biggest rivals there on the court with me meant a lot and at the same time it’s a great message for the world: That the best rivals, toughest rivalries probably in the history of our sport are able to be good colleagues, to respect each other

“You don't need to hate the opponent to try to beat him with all your forces. And that's the message that I think we showed people, we showed the new generations, and in some way that’s our legacy. The results are there, but at the same time the results are just results,” he said.

Asked by the host as to what had been keeping him busy over the last eight months or so after retirement, Nadal revealed: “I didn’t [touch] a racquet yet after my retirement. It's eight months without being on a tennis court, but I will. I will be back at some point, because at some point I will prepare myself to play an exhibition or something like this. Even if I had a lot of opportunities, I need to give myself a time of disconnection.''

The new French Open corner at Rafa Nadal Museum

“My daily routine is no routine. I have no routine today. I am just learning about the next business chapter of my life that I have. I have projects, I take care of my foundation and I take care of my family. I am discovering what really motivates me for this new life. So it’s not easy in terms of choosing your next goal. But for me, it's so important to have goals in this life, because a life without objectives is more difficult from my point of view,’’ remarked the former world No.1 who signed off with 22 slams.

The Rafa Nadal Museum in Manacor, meanwhile, has unveiled a new space dedicated to Nadal’s untouchable success at the Open. The space contains the Spaniard’s record 14 Coupe des Mousquetaires as well as the racquets Nadal played with in Paris and the Nike bandanas he wore during the years he was crowned champion in the French capital.

Nadal in sculpture

Visitors will also be able to view a stunning montage of images of Nadal lifting the trophies, as well as an infographic that highlights some of the Spaniard’s most incredible stats on the Paris clay. Another big attraction in the new space is the replica of the sculpture Roland Garros dedicated to Nadal, which the French Tennis Federation and tournament director Amelie Mauresmo recently presented to the humble tennis icon.

Another chapter of Nadal’s relationship with France was scripted last summer when he was chosen to carry the Olympic torch at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games. The torch, his medals and other Olympic mementos are on display in a new area of the museum. Other recent additions include the final racquet bag of Nadal’s career, as well as the shirts worn by Carlos Alcaraz and Rafa himself when they played together in the Olympic doubles.