The word "legend" is used loosely nowadays, but this man here is a TRUE LEGEND in every sense of the term.
It has been a privilege to watch Rafa ( and Roger and Novak) for 2 decades. To play this game for so long with very little to close to no controversy is not something that you find frequently. Thank you
One of the most unbreakable records in sporting history. Congratz on a stellar career. You were my idol growing up. Thank you for everything Rafa!!! Enjoy retirement :D
Thank you RG for the farewell tribute and the press conference. Thank you Rafa, you’ll be missed.
Well done Roland Garos, truly this tribute is exactly how you should do it to honor such a champion. That truly gave his all....bravo 👏
Even happily retired, Rafa has still maintained his incredible class and humility. Never change Rafa, you inspired millions and transcended this sport so much ❤
He is one class act. I was always at huge Roger fan, but I’ll never forget how nice Rafa was at the US open when he was walking through to a court and we stopped him and he couldn’t have been nicer. He is a hard man to not like. Always respected him.
Rafael Nadal is, without question, the greatest sportsperson to ever walk on Planet Earth. His tenacity is as unshakable as Mount Everest—unyielding, towering, and awe-inspiring. And yet, behind that iron will lies a man of extraordinary humility. From the age of three, Nadal lived by a principle set by his uncle Toni: if he ever broke a racquet in frustration, he would no longer be coached. Not once did he cross that line. That discipline—rooted in respect—defined the foundation of his greatness. He wasn’t just a tennis prodigy; as a child, he excelled in golf and football. But it was in tennis that I saw him rise, fall, and rise again—every loss sharpening him, every victory grounding him. He is the very definition of resilience. What struck me most was his mindfulness. The way he meticulously arranges his water bottles after every game isn’t superstition—it’s a ritual of presence, a symbol of the love and intentionality he pours into his sport. Every step Nadal takes, whether on or off the court, is a lesson in discipline, focus, and self-respect. I remember during a devastating flood in Spain, Nadal was out helping his community, not as a star, but as a citizen, a human being. That is who he is. Simply by watching him, you feel inspired—like you, too, can do something extraordinary, as long as you commit with discipline and devotion. Even while battling life-threatening injuries, he played with a joy that came from a deep love for the game. He showed the world that in suffering, there can be meaning—if you truly love what you do. Nadal is also a champion of teamwork, always acknowledging those around him, never consumed by ego. He’s the kind of person you would want your child to learn from and grow up to be like. That is his legacy—one of values, humility, and greatness lived out through example. I fell in love with tennis because of him. His tribute at Roland Garros is more than a ceremony; it is history carved into the clay of another nation. To leave such a profound mark on a foreign land that they immortalize you on their main court—there’s no greater testament to what he gave to the sport. Such is the legacy of Rafael Nadal—the greatest to ever grace not just tennis, but any sport, anywhere on Earth. Thank you Rafael Nadal!
There is literally no athlete that has conducted themselves better. He is such a wonderful human being. I am the biggest Federer fan on the planet, but how can you not fall in love with Rafa? A complete and utter class act. Already miss watching him play.
Literally one of the most down to earth, humble, grounded, hardworking, kind, respectful and all round decent athletes in all of sports. What a beautiful goodbye and what a big loss for the sports world.
He is sooo huge in some many ways .unreal.
WOW!,,, GREAT INTERVIEW RAFAAAAAAA…. TRUE HUMILITY PROJECTED…. BLESSINGS 💯💯🙏🏾🙏🏾🇹🇹
On the road to build your LEGENDARY career,belive me, you inspired millions of people in the process , i started watching Rafa from the age of 9 and i wasn't just watching occasionally i was a true fan watching all matches on tour since then : DISCIPLINE, DETERMINATION, FOCUS , RESPECT , applying PERFECTION in doing things ,HUMILITY all of those are Qualities I've learned to set as principles using you as a role model Thank you matador ! true LEGEND
7:25 He put the water bottle back perfectly 😂
A huge thank you to Roland Garros for the amazing tribute to probably the greatest clay court player ever. So many incredible tennis memories have been etched in our minds, through the magical combination of this beautiful sporting event along with the amazing talent and fighting spirit of Rafa. I first started watching Borg play in RG, and was lucky to watch many matches live there in the 80s. What a fantastic way to celebrate both the game of tennis and an inspirational player. Merci de tout coeur! ❤
Best personality of an athlete ever!!
BLESSINGS RAFAAAAAAA LONG LIVE THE KING…… 😢TEARFULLY VIEWED THE CEREMONY…. GREAT MODEL FOR ALL TENNIS PLAYERS AND IN ALL DISCIPLINES🙏🏾🙏🏾💯💯🇹🇹🇹🇹
Oh we love you Rafa! You are the BEST. You deserve the BEST.
Rafa a true legend for the ages…inside and out…what an example for the young generations…thank you Rafa!!!
@LucindaMandaTaylor