Rafael Nadal's Legacy in Paris Becomes Eternal

Rafael Nadal could never have imagined, even in his wildest dreams two decades ago, that Roland Garros would pay him such an extraordinary tribute as it did this Sunday at the Philippe Chatrier court, a year after his farewell. Nor could he have foreseen the honour of carrying the Olympic torch by the Eiffel Tower during the 2024 Olympic Games. Through victories, relentless effort, and above all, exemplary attitude and behaviour, the undisputed king of Paris has written an incredible 'love story' with a city and a crowd that, it should not be forgotten, once booed him disrespectfully during a tense match against local idol Sebastien Grosjean in 2005.

Paris's tribute to the Spanish hero was emotional, simple, authentic, and without ostentation, as planned at the end of last year. Amelie Mauresmo, the director of the unofficial world championship on clay, and Gilles Moretton, the president of the French federation, travelled to Mallorca to discuss with Rafa the best way to honour him. Being a shy person who never liked big parties, they agreed on a simple yet magnificent event.

After the typical introduction by Marc Maury, the popular Roland Garros 'speaker', Nadal appeared on stage in a black suit and shirt. He was moved to tears as he watched a video of his impeccable career and those 14 titles in Paris, achievements unreachable for any ordinary athlete. The fans, dressed in the stands with orange shirts bearing the message 'Merci, Rafa', gave the retired idol goosebumps. Not as much as Rafa's speech, which was brief, about four minutes, but straight to the heart.

"I don't know where to start," he read in French. He continued in English, thanking the entire Roland Garros team for helping him forge this 'incredible story'. He recounted his most memorable moments in Paris, even with crutches, and praised all the 'people who work tirelessly to make this tournament so special'. In Spanish, he referred to his family and friends, always 'an important pillar' for him. He also thanked the sponsors for trusting and believing in him for so many years, 'even in the most difficult moments'.

He even remembered his cousins, his grandmothers, present in Paris at over 90 years old, and his grandparents, already deceased, whom he misses dearly. He especially addressed his uncle Toni, with whom it all began and who always 'pushed him to the limit'. "You have been the best coach I could ever have," he emphasized. He confessed to losing a prepared note but improvised to highlight that Mery, his wife, has been and is his 'best life partner'. He made her cry by confessing that 'this last year and a half has been very complicated, but easier to overcome thanks to the child they have together'. Words also for his parents and, again in French, he thanked France and Paris for giving him 'what he had never imagined'. Thank you for 'this beautiful love story', he concluded.

Next came the moment for physiotherapists, doctors, drivers, all the staff who have worked with Rafa in Paris throughout his unparalleled reign. A prelude to other legendary, unrepeatable moments. The spotlight was on the 'Big Four'. First, a video of the four giants, then the entry of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray onto the court. A momentous occasion.

Mauresmo and Moreton appeared with a trophy for Nadal. Yet, the best was yet to come. They explained that they would make an imprint of Nadal's foot on the clay of the central court. A plaque with that imprint was unveiled for posterity. After the customary photos with his rivals, and above all friends, Nadal addressed the centre of the court for the last time to collect the trophy.

Nadal enjoyed the farewell he couldn't have last year when, severely hampered by injuries, he fell in the first round in straight sets to Germany's Alexander Zverev. Rafa already knew it was his last competitive appearance, although it wasn't until five months later, in October, that the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles announced he would retire after the Davis Cup. There was enough time to prepare Sunday's ceremony without missing a detail.

In reality, Nadal's romance with Paris grew from 2010 when he defeated Sweden's Robin Söderling in the final and laid the first stone to string together five titles and surpass the record of the legendary Bjorn Borg. Since then, the intense love affair between Nadal and the fans of the clay court cathedral has not even been broken by doping controversies. Nothing broke the bond, not Yannick Noah's infamous article referring to the 'magic potion' of Spanish athletes, nor the attack of the puppets with their giant syringes, nor the accusations of Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot, who was ultimately condemned. Rafa's legacy remains indelible both on and off the court.