Roger Federer reveals most exciting part of 'amazing' Rafael Nadal tribute at French Open -'It was incredible'
Updated 25/06/2025 at 10:08 GMT+1
Roger Federer was present at this year's French Open along with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray for a tribute to Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard won 14 titles at Roland-Garros and was honoured on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Federer has spoken about the "amazing" occasion and how pleased he was that Nadal had the "tribute he deserved". He has also reflected on some of his career highlights.
'A beautiful moment' - Djokovic opens up about Nadal ceremony at French Open
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Roger Federer says it was "incredible" to be able to share Rafael Nadal’s emotional French Open farewell with him and has revealed the "most exciting" part of the occasion.
A tribute was held on the opening day of this year's French Open to honour Nadal, who retired last year after winning 14 titles at the clay Grand Slam.
Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were all present on Court Philippe-Chatrier as Nadal was celebrated and a permanent plaque etched with his footprint was unveiled.
"It was amazing," Federer told Eurosport Spain about the tribute.
"I think everyone loved the tribute, especially Rafa, who is the one who had to love it. I have heard him in several interviews talking about how he felt, that makes me very happy.
"They were moments of great emotion, gratitude, it was incredible to see his reaction when they showed the plaque with his name on it."
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Nadal appeared visibly moved when he saw the plaque, which had been kept as a surprise by tournament organisers.
He said afterwards it made him "very emotional" to have such a grand gesture on a court which "represents so much".
"For me it was the most exciting thing, that plaque will be there forever, all the players who step on the court will see it, they will surely be inspired and motivated thanks to him," said Federer.
"Sincerely, he had the farewell and the tribute he deserved. I am happy for him, grateful for allowing me to live it from there with them. It had been many months since I had seen them.
"It is always a pleasure to meet all Rafa's family and friends, I am lucky to know them and I was delighted to see them all smiling.
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Watch as Nadal basks in spine-tingling standing ovation at French Open
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"It was the first time I returned to Roland-Garros since I retired, the last time was in 2021 in that edition with no crowd in the stands. It was a joy to return to Philippe-Chatrier, only this time with the stands full of fans.
"Paris will always be a special place for me. I had some very special moments there, many of them with Rafa."
The sight of the "Big Four" together on Philippe-Chatrier was a delight for tennis fans everywhere.
Once great rivals on the court, it is now only Djokovic who is still playing, with Federer, Nadal and Murray all retired.
Asked when they might link up again, Federer said: "I probably will go to Wimbledon, but I don't know if Rafa will be there during the tournament. We will see Novak in the draw, while Andy will probably be at the facilities.
"Then there is the Laver Cup, another very special week, I will try to recruit them for the occasion. I don't know what other dates we have ahead of us, I'm sure we'll be in touch, although it might be easier for us to coincide on the golf course than on the tennis court."
Federer has recently launched a new racquet, the Wilson RF 01, which recalls the most dominant seasons of his career.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion says the idea with the racquet was to "go back to my best years, that period from 2004 to 2006… it has a very iconic design, so I hope people feel that magic too".
Federer was almost unbeatable during the 2004-06 period, winning eight Grand Slams across those three seasons. But what matches would he go back and replay with the Wilson RF 01 in hand?
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Federer pays tribute to 'giant of the game' Nadal after emotional ceremony
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"I'm going to keep three victories, because of the mark they left on me," Federer said.
"The first one I would like to repeat is clear, I would go to Wimbledon 2001 and my match with Pete Sampras. That match meant facing the hero of a whole generation, my first time on Centre Court at Wimbledon, without knowing everything that this tournament would bring to my career.
"Secondly, I would choose the final of Roland Garros 2009. I chased that tournament for a long time, until that season where the doors opened with the elimination of Rafa. I felt that the whole crowd was with me, they really wanted me to win, that made me feel very special.
"Lastly, I'll take the 2017 Australian Open final [against Nadal], right after my knee problems. It was a complete match, it had everything. I would love to relive all those emotions again, but... anyway, you know."
On the racquet, Federer added: "It is designed for all types of players, of any level. The racquet will have different weights: 280g, 300g and 320g.
"This way, if suddenly someone younger or a little bit lower level comes along, they will also be able to adapt to the conditions of the racquet.
"I really think that this model has all the necessary elements for every player to have a good time on the court."
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