Retired 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal will be honored with a tribute on the tournament's opening day at Court Philippe-Chatrier on May 25. French Open director Amélie Mauresmo expressed the intention to make the tribute special and surprising for everyone, highlighting Nadal's significant impact on the history of the event. Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion who retired in November, will be celebrated through various gestures, including the unveiling of a statue at the venue and involvement in an exhibition at the tournament museum.
With a record 14 French Open titles to his name, Nadal's close connection to Roland Garros is being commemorated following his retirement. The French Tennis Federation president, Gilles Moretton, emphasized the strong historical ties between Nadal and the tournament, noting their shared history. Additionally, organizers aim to capitalize on the success of the 2024 Paris Olympics by creating a fan zone at Place de la Concorde in central Paris, equipped with giant screens for up to 5,000 fans to enjoy matches, drawing inspiration from the vibrant atmosphere witnessed during the Olympics.