Rafael Nadal's emotional farewell at Roland Garros marked the end of one of the greatest careers in tennis history. With 14 trophies in Paris, it could only come on Court Philippe-Chatrier!
The Spaniard, who embraced a 112-4 score in Paris and dominated between 2005 and 2022, opened up about why he had to end his tennis career in November last year.
More importantly, he highlighted the transition he made after so many years on the Tour – leaving the tennis arenas behind and finding his piece at home in Mallorca.
Il piccolo Rafa si è preso la scena 🥹#Nadal #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Ixg8qt2WXi
— OK Tennis (@oktennis) May 25, 2025
Rafa admitted he did not get tired of tennis. His body could not endure that effort anymore, sending a clear to the legend. Years of physical strain left the king of clay unable to compete at his usual level.
Thus, the 22-time Major winner prompted a graceful goodbye rather than a drawn-out battle. Far from clinging to the spotlight, which he never liked, Nadal has embraced a quieter life in Mallorca alongside his family and friends.
Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros ceremony 2025© Stream screenshot
Nadal has always cultivated a rich life off the court, and while tennis is beyond him, he feels no emptiness. Watching his former rivals compete does not sting – it simply reminds him that his chapter closed at the right time.
The Parisian crowd gave the legend a proper sendoff worthy of his legacy. However, Rafa remains grounded and humble. He gave everything he had and closed his book wholly and beautifully.
The Spaniard has not played since his retirement last November. That should change in the future, although the 22-time Major winner does not rush anything.
Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros ceremony 2025© Stream screenshot
When he feels competitive again, we will see Nadal play exhibitions and give his fans something to cheer about again.
"I did not get tired of tennis; it's not about that or the fact I did not miss it. I came to the point where my body could not take it anymore. It would not allow me to continue doing what I had done all these years.
When the day of my retirement came, I closed a chapter in my life. Although it was perfect, I do not have a big ego that needs tributes like this. I'm moving nicely through daily life and anonymity, so I have always lived in Mallorca.
Rafael Nadal, Roland Garros ceremony 2025© Stream screenshot
I always had a life beyond tennis that fulfilled me, and I had the intuition that I would make a nice transition when my retirement day came. It was like that, and I'm fine and happy, enjoying many things off the court.
I still watch tennis, and seeing my rivals in Monte Carlo, Rome, and Paris does not hurt. I closed that book with great satisfaction," Rafael Nadal said.
