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Roland-Garros to honour Nadal with grand tribute

Paris, Apr 17 (UNI) Fourteen-time champion Rafael Nadal will be at the emotional core of Roland-Garros 2025, as organisers plan a grand tribute to the Spanish legend, marking his first season following retirement.
The ceremony is scheduled for May 25 at the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier, shortly after the day session, and will be complemented by a dedicated exhibition at the Roland-Garros Tenniseum, celebrating Nadal's unparalleled dominance on clay.
The announcement came during a pre-tournament press conference held on Friday, where French Tennis Federation (FFT) President Gilles Moretton and Tournament Director Amelie Mauresmo unveiled the key features of the upcoming edition, to be held from May 19 to June 8.
"We want it to be something special, something exceptional, said Mauresmo, while keeping further details under wraps. "The tournament looks to the future, but it doesn’t forget those who have made it what it is — especially Rafa Nadal, who has marked the history of Roland-Garros in so many ways, above all with his 14 titles, a feat perhaps no one will ever match."
As part of the homage, Nadal will narrate the official promotional film for the 2025 tournament, set to be released on May 12. "Who better to talk about Roland-Garros than Rafa himself? He accepted without hesitation, and it's a unique privilege to have a champion of his stature associated so closely with a Grand Slam," Mauresmo noted.
FFT President Moretton also expressed hopes of seeing Nadal continue his association with the tournament beyond his playing days. "It’s our wish that he becomes an ambassador for Roland-Garros. There’s a love story here — he respects the tournament and the surface, and we hold him in the highest regard," he said. However, he clarified that the immediate focus remains on delivering a fitting tribute, the planning of which has taken considerable time.
"We always knew Rafa wouldn't be around forever. He can't be replaced — 14 titles across 20 years is a story that may never be repeated. But life goes on, and so does the tournament. We want him to stay with us in some way," Mauresmo added. "There are very few stories in tennis like this — between a player and a tournament — and we want it to continue."
In addition to honouring Nadal, the 2025 edition will also celebrate French tennis icons Mary Pierce and Richard Gasquet. Pierce will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on June 5, 25 years after her iconic singles and doubles triumphs at Roland-Garros.
Meanwhile, Gasquet will bid farewell to the tournament after his 22nd and final appearance, with a special tribute planned following his last match.
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