What French Open organisers have planned for Rafael Nadal at this year’s tournament

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Rafael Nadal enjoyed a simply stunning career before retiring last year, which included 14 French Open titles.

Nadal earned the nickname the King of Clay for his success at the French Open, having enjoyed more success at the Grand Slam than any other man.

Carlos Alcaraz can shine on clay now that Nadal has retired, with many players having failed to triumph on the surface given the latter’s dominance for many years.

Former ATP number one Nadal wants French Open success for Casper Ruud, having beaten the Norwegian in the 2022 final in Paris.

That represented his last final at the tournament and indeed his last Grand Slam final, with his first success having fittingly come at the French Open in 2005.

14-time champion Rafael Nadal to be honoured at 2025 French Open

Given that success, French Open organisers are now planning to honour the 38-year-old, who made his only Grand Slam appearance in 2024 at the tournament.

As per Roland Garros, a tribute to Nadal has been confirmed for the venue on May 25, taking place after the first three matches on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

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It is a court on which he has enjoyed remarkable success, with a fitting tribute now on the cards for the Spaniard next month when the Grand Slam returns.

French Open confirms schedule change for 2025 tournament

Nadal didn’t exactly have the farewell that he was hoping for last time out, having made three appearances in Paris in 2024.

He lost his opener at the French Open to fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who went on to lose the final to Alcaraz.

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Nadal then beat Marton Fucsovics at the same venue at the 2024 Paris Olympics, before losing to eventual champion Novak Djokovic.

A schedule change has also been confirmed, with the second men’s semi-final not starting before 7pm, compared to 5.30pm last year.

And along with Nadal’s tribute, his fellow ATP legend Richard Gasquet will also be honoured, with the Frenchman set to retire after the tournament.

Mary Pierce meanwhile will also be celebrated, having won both the singles and doubles titles at the 2000 French Open.