French Open plans major opening day tribute for Rafael Nadal

French Open has planned a major opening day tribute for Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard, who announced his retirement, is the most successful player at the Roland Garros with 14 titles, which is the most for any player at a single slam. 

Nadal faced a first-round exit as he suffered a straight set loss against Alexander Zverev in 2024. The leftie decided to call time on his glorious career after Spain’s Davis Cup exit as he struggled with his injuries and fitness in the last two years.

“Rafa made history at Roland Garros, and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequaled,” tournament director and two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo told reporters. “The ceremony in honor of Rafa will take place at the end of the day session on May 25 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

“The idea is to have a vision for the future and also to celebrate those who thrilled us in the past.”

Mauresmo revealed they wanted to pay tribute to Nadal in 2024 but the veteran was not sure at that time if it was to be his last appearance in the tournament.

“We wanted to do the tribute last year, to be transparent, but he refused at the time,” Mauresmo said. “He wasn’t sure that it was his last Roland Garros. Now that he is retired, he is happy to receive it.”

The total prize pool for the May 25 to June 8 tournament has been set at 56.352 million euros ($64.11 million), up 5.21% from 2024, Mauresmo said.

Meanwhile, French Tennis Federation chief Gilles Moretton said the Grand Slam will not adopt electronic line calling, like the other three Slams.

“I think we are right to keep our referees and linesmen at Roland Garros. The federation wants to keep our referees for as long as we can,” Moretton said. “I hope we’ll be able to maintain it in our tournaments in the future.”