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Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal turns 40 on June 3. Can you believe it? The teenager with the long hair aand shorts that we all grew to know and love as the “King of Clay” is now a husband, father, and firmly entrenched into retirement.
It was always wonderful to watch him celebrate his birthday at the French Open especially since he won the tournament most of the years he was playing in it.
MORE: As Alexander Zverev inches closer to a possible Grand Slam title, fans have mixed feelings
Now that Rafa has retired, his presence is still felt at the tournament that created his career and built his legacy. That presence goes far beyond the permanent marking on the court in his honor.
Players talk about him as if he still plays. Coco Gauff mentioned channeling Nadal.
Iga Swiatek idolized him and recently trained in his presence.
Then, there is this generation’s teenage Spanish Rafael that made a name for himself this spring and got to the quarterfinals.
His RAFA Netflix documentary dropped on May 29, in the thick of Roland Garros action.
MORE: Marta Kostyuk wins the Ukrainian battle over Elina Svitolina at 2026 French Open
Roland Garros will always be Rafa Nadal’s tournament, no matter how far removed he becomes from playing in it.
Sooner or later, some part of Roland Garros should bear his name, and not just the statue on the premises.
May 25, 2025; Paris, FR; Rafael Nadal of Spain and his son, Rafael Jr. during the presentation ceremony paying tribute to his career on a packed Court Philippe Chatrier Courtday on day one at Roland Garros Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
Rafa is retired, and though many of us still have not fully embraced that reality, it is true. However, each year Roland Garros rolls around, the 14-time champion will still creep into our thoughts as we watch clips of his stellar play.
Continue reading...
It was always wonderful to watch him celebrate his birthday at the French Open especially since he won the tournament most of the years he was playing in it.
MORE: As Alexander Zverev inches closer to a possible Grand Slam title, fans have mixed feelings
Now that Rafa has retired, his presence is still felt at the tournament that created his career and built his legacy. That presence goes far beyond the permanent marking on the court in his honor.
How Rafa still figures into the French Open
Players talk about him as if he still plays. Coco Gauff mentioned channeling Nadal.
Iga Swiatek idolized him and recently trained in his presence.
Then, there is this generation’s teenage Spanish Rafael that made a name for himself this spring and got to the quarterfinals.
His RAFA Netflix documentary dropped on May 29, in the thick of Roland Garros action.
MORE: Marta Kostyuk wins the Ukrainian battle over Elina Svitolina at 2026 French Open
Rafa’s legacy
Roland Garros will always be Rafa Nadal’s tournament, no matter how far removed he becomes from playing in it.
Sooner or later, some part of Roland Garros should bear his name, and not just the statue on the premises.
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May 25, 2025; Paris, FR; Rafael Nadal of Spain and his son, Rafael Jr. during the presentation ceremony paying tribute to his career on a packed Court Philippe Chatrier Courtday on day one at Roland Garros Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
Rafa is retired, and though many of us still have not fully embraced that reality, it is true. However, each year Roland Garros rolls around, the 14-time champion will still creep into our thoughts as we watch clips of his stellar play.
Continue reading...
