French Open 2025: Roger Federer hails ‘giant of the game’ Rafael Nadal after emotional Roland-Garros farewell alongside Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray

Roger Federer waxed lyrical about his former peer Rafael Nadal following a moving tribute to the legendary tennis superstar at Roland-Garros on Sunday. The Spaniard was joined by Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray in Paris, as Nadal's record-breaking achievements at the clay-court Grand Slam were recognised. Federer spoke about balancing his friendship and rivalry with Nadal.

Federer pays tribute to 'giant of the game' Nadal after emotional ceremony

Video credit: TNT Sports

Roger Federer hailed "giant of the game" Rafael Nadal following a poignant send-off for the 14-time French Open champion.

Federer joined Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic in paying tribute to the 22-time Grand Slam winner at a special ceremony held on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

His great rival highlighted the importance of such a gesture after experiencing something similar following the conclusion of the 2022 Laver Cup.

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He told TNT Sports US expert Mary Joe Fernandez: "Farewells are important when you have his level, and he's a giant of the game. If we can add a little something by being here with Novak and Andy, and we tie the knot all together, I think it's a nice thing.

"I know it meant the world to me, that I had all my guys and my players around me when I retired. I think it’s also good for closure, and shows respect as well from me personally towards Rafa, his family and his team.

"We played so long, so good and hard against each other and I was not going to miss it when they asked me to be here today."

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The Swiss won a solitary French Open title in 2009 when he beat Robin Soderling in the final – a path to victory which felt particularly long following an uncharacteristically early fourth-round exit from Nadal that year.

"It meant a lot to me because it was the last Grand Slam that was still missing, as I had won all the others by 2004," he explained.

"I had to wait a good five years to win the French Open. So, of course, it was a beautiful moment when I finally won it on a rainy day here in Paris.

"The week felt endless because Rafa lost. That happened in the fourth round, and I had another three matches to win before being able to win the French Open.

"So, the pressure was immense, because I knew I didn’t have to go through Rafa. That's how tennis sometimes works, but the relief was incredible, and I never got a chance again.

"Rafa was there, at the door and said, ‘Sorry, pal, it's my turn again!’

"It's amazing how dominant he has been here. He's so incredible, and I'm so happy he got the plaque forever, not just for a year or something like that, and I think it meant a lot to Rafa."

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Despite their ferocious battles on the court, Federer spoke about his enduring friendship with the Spaniard.

When asked if it can serve as an example to the current crop of players, he replied: "It definitely doesn’t hurt, but I must say that there were some good friendships on tour; guys were hanging around with each other quite a lot because the teams were not so big yet.

"I think it's a bit more difficult nowadays. I don't know if the absolute best of the best [players] were as friendly now as we were, and I think he referenced that again when we were standing on court.

"It's nice to see that me, Novak, Andy, and Rafa all get along really well. You can put us in a room together, and we're going to have a good time.

"I think it also sends a nice message out to the world."