Sunday, October 5, 2025
Submit Press Release
Got Action
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • NCAA
    • NCAA Football
    • NCAA Basketball
    • NCAA Baseball
    • NCAA Sport
  • Baseball
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • Formula 1
  • MMA
  • Boxing
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Sports Picks
  • Home
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • NCAA
    • NCAA Football
    • NCAA Basketball
    • NCAA Baseball
    • NCAA Sport
  • Baseball
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • Formula 1
  • MMA
  • Boxing
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Sports Picks
Got Action
No Result
View All Result

Federer on Touching Tribute to Nadal

May 25, 2025
in Tennis
0 0
0
Home Tennis
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Sunday, May 25, 2025
Photo credit: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis for Getty

Ultimate warrior Rafael Nadal cast giant steps across Court Philippe Chatrier punishing opponents in the process.

Seeing his footprint embedded on Roland Garros’ center stage moved the 14-time French Open champion to tears.

Tennis Express

In a touching tribute, Roland Garros celebrated Rafael Nadal’s brilliant career with one of the most emotional, dramatic and classy send-offs a Grand Slam has delivered to an iconic champion.

The tournament supplied celebratory “Merci, Rafa” t-shirts to fans creating a sea of salmon-colored subjects, including Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz, embracing the King of Clay in loving and massive group hug on Court Philippe Chatrier. There were smiles, tears and emotional embraces throughout with Nadal himself standing alone behind a wooden podium delivering a moving thank you to all who were part of his wondrous ride.

Some of the most most moving moments came when Nadal thanked his family, when the tournament brought out the behind-the-scenes staffers, including his driver, who supported Nadal throughout his Roland Garros career, the unveiling of a white plaque bearing Nadal’s name, his 14 RG titles and footprint and when a video tribute from Big 4 rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray gave way to the trio walking out onto the crimson-colored stage to embrace an emotional Nadal.

Parting can be poignant—seeing the iconic Big 4 champions celebrate Nadal together, standing as one, was profoundly powerful, moving many fans to tears.

Embed from Getty Images

Shortly after stepping off court, Federer told TNT’s Mary Joe Fernandez it was fitting closure for the clay court king—and his way of paying respect to his rival.

“Farewells are important when you have his level—he’s a giant of the game,” Federer told TNT’s Mary Joe Fernandez. “If we can add a little something by being here with Novak and Andy I think it’s a nice thing.

“I know it meant the world to me when I had my guys around [retiring at Laver Cup].

“It’s also good closure, respect from me personally for Rafa and his family and his team. We played so long and so hard against each other, I was not gonna miss it.”

For years, Nadal rampaged across Roland Garros’ red clay posting an absolutely astounding 137-3 career clay-court record in best-of-five-set matches. Federer said Nadal was moved when the tournament unveiled its eternal tribute: the white plaque embedded in the red clay bearing his name and record.

“It’s amazing how dominant he has been,” said Federer of his rival who sported a 6-0 record vs. the Swiss at Roland Garros.  “I’m sure he got the plaque forever and I think it meant a lot to Rafa.

“So I’m honored I had a chance to play against Rafa on this court.”

The man who threw tremendous topspin drives across the terre battue showed the power of human touch today.

Recalling his own retirement ceremony at the 2022 Laver Cup when Federer and Nadal sat-side-by-side shedding tears, the Swiss Maestro said the Big 4 reuniting can serve as an example.

The fiercest rivals can come together in friendly celebration now that the major battles are done.

“I don’t know if some of the best of the best were as friendly as we were,” Federer told TNT’s Mary Joe Fernandez. “It’s nice to see me, Novak, Andy and Rafa [together]. “We all get along really well.

“You can put us in a room together and we can have a really nice time. But when it’s Go Time…we are going to go hard and do it fair.”

Three years ago, we saw bittersweet Fedal Farewell in London.

After Federer’s final doubles match alongside Nadal, Rafa and Roger sat side-by-side on the Team Europe bench, clasped hands and shared sobs.

In an interview with Radioestadio Noche, Nadal said seeing Federer get emotional moved him to tears.

It may well have prepared him for his rousing Roland Garros Au Revoir in Paris today.

“It was a difficult time because I didn’t want to cry either,” Nadal told Radioestadio Noche after Federer’s retirement. “It is a moment that he is already there and I am a sensitive person and at that moment seeing him so emotional made it very difficult for me.

“When you see someone you appreciate say goodbye it’s hard not to get emotional. It got a little out of hand, and the worst thing is that when I went to the room I just got emotional again.

“It was difficult for it not to happen because of everything that was lived that night.”

As an 18-year-old wearing pirate pants and a sleeveless shirt, Nadal unleashed snarling topspin conquering Mariano Puerta to capture his maiden Roland Garros crown back in 2005.

In a full-circle moment 20 years later, Nadal stood on the salmon stage and recalled hobbling up to the very top of Court Chatrier while on crutches as an injured 17-year-old while dreaming of one day competing on the court far below.


To the King, leaving a perpetual mark on the Roland-Garros clay.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/SFHkAuYG9K


— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 25, 2025

Two decades after daring to dream big, Nadal, clutching his young son in his arms, left the court with a joyful smile.

Tennis ultimate fighter played with passion and departed feeling the love from the faithful.  





Source link

Tags: FedererNadalTouchingTribute
Previous Post

Lionel Messi, a trickshot competition and the chance to meet the GOAT

Next Post

Paddy Pimblett makes pick for potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall heavyweight clash

Related Posts

Alexander Zverev: Courts being slowed to help Sinner, Alcaraz
Tennis

Alexander Zverev: Courts being slowed to help Sinner, Alcaraz

October 4, 2025
Anisimova Hands Gauff Lopsided Loss in Beijing – Tennis Now
Tennis

Anisimova Hands Gauff Lopsided Loss in Beijing – Tennis Now

October 4, 2025
Alex De Minaur moves on in Shanghai Masters; Rublev upset
Tennis

Alex De Minaur moves on in Shanghai Masters; Rublev upset

October 4, 2025
I want to leave the sport better than I found it – Tennis Now
Tennis

I want to leave the sport better than I found it – Tennis Now

October 3, 2025
After layoff, Shelton loses opening match at Shanghai Masters
Tennis

After layoff, Shelton loses opening match at Shanghai Masters

October 3, 2025
Brent Larkham inducted into Tennis ACT Walk of Fame | 3 October, 2025 | All News | News and Features | News and Events
Tennis

Brent Larkham inducted into Tennis ACT Walk of Fame | 3 October, 2025 | All News | News and Features | News and Events

October 3, 2025
Next Post
Paddy Pimblett makes pick for potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall heavyweight clash

Paddy Pimblett makes pick for potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall heavyweight clash

Scores, results for 2025 third round

Scores, results for 2025 third round

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Away Attendances at the Weekend – 8th September 2025

Away Attendances at the Weekend – 8th September 2025

September 8, 2025
How to Buy COTA Tickets – 2025 United States Grand Prix

How to Buy COTA Tickets – 2025 United States Grand Prix

March 12, 2025
Is Max Verstappen in the mix to win the 2025 Drivers’ title?

Is Max Verstappen in the mix to win the 2025 Drivers’ title?

September 25, 2025
Marte, Steer power Cincinnati Reds over Pittsburgh, 14-8

Marte, Steer power Cincinnati Reds over Pittsburgh, 14-8

August 10, 2025
Arthur Jones, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens, dies at 39

Arthur Jones, who won a Super Bowl with the Ravens, dies at 39

October 4, 2025
Fans urge Miami Heat to sign former MVP after Tyler Herro surgery news, ‘he’d immediately be the best player’

Fans urge Miami Heat to sign former MVP after Tyler Herro surgery news, ‘he’d immediately be the best player’

September 19, 2025
Anthony Davis could return to Mavericks’ lineup during upcoming Eastern road trip: Report

Anthony Davis could return to Mavericks’ lineup during upcoming Eastern road trip: Report

238
Getting with the programme | Arseblog … an Arsenal blog

Getting with the programme | Arseblog … an Arsenal blog

3
The longest an NCAA bracket has ever stayed perfect

The longest an NCAA bracket has ever stayed perfect

1
Hanshin Tigers shut out Cubs, Dodgers for back-to-back wins

Hanshin Tigers shut out Cubs, Dodgers for back-to-back wins

1
Avious Griffin Highlights Boxing Insider Promotion’s Card By Stopping Jose Luis Sanchez In 9.

Avious Griffin Highlights Boxing Insider Promotion’s Card By Stopping Jose Luis Sanchez In 9.

1
NHL Rumors: Lane Hutson and Kyle Connor Update

NHL Rumors: Lane Hutson and Kyle Connor Update

0
Big Ten football power rankings after Week 6: Two teams separate

Big Ten football power rankings after Week 6: Two teams separate

October 5, 2025
What the teams said – Qualifying at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix

What the teams said – Qualifying at the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix

October 5, 2025
Mike Brown says Pacome Dadiet could be a ‘monster’ for the Knicks, but he’s making one mistake

Mike Brown says Pacome Dadiet could be a ‘monster’ for the Knicks, but he’s making one mistake

October 5, 2025
Top-25 small forward Cole Cloer commits to NC State

Top-25 small forward Cole Cloer commits to NC State

October 5, 2025
Hurricane weather wreaks havoc on Scotland, limits Dunhill to 54 holes

Hurricane weather wreaks havoc on Scotland, limits Dunhill to 54 holes

October 5, 2025
Mariners leave All-Star starter Bryan Woo off ALDS roster

Mariners leave All-Star starter Bryan Woo off ALDS roster

October 5, 2025
Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Pinterest
Got Action

Stay updated with the latest sports news, highlights, and expert analysis at Got Action. From football to basketball, we cover all your favorite sports. Get your daily dose of action now!

CATEGORIES

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Boxing
  • Football
  • Formula 1
  • Golf
  • MLB
  • MMA
  • NBA
  • NCAA Baseball
  • NCAA Basketball
  • NCAA Football
  • NCAA Sport
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • Tennis
  • Uncategorized

SITEMAP

  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Submit Press Release
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA
  • Cookie Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact us

Copyright © 2025 Got Action.
Got Action is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • NCAA
    • NCAA Football
    • NCAA Basketball
    • NCAA Baseball
    • NCAA Sport
  • Baseball
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • Formula 1
  • MMA
  • Boxing
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Sports Picks
Submit Press Release

Copyright © 2025 Got Action.
Got Action is not responsible for the content of external sites.