TENNIS

Rafael Nadal reveals surprise announcement ahead of expected French Open tribute next week

As the French Open confirmed a tribute to Rafael Nadal, the former tennis star revealed a surprise ahead of the highly anticipated ceremony next week.

Rafa Nadal poses at the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Galería de Cristal on April 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
© Angel Martinez/Getty Images for LaureusRafa Nadal poses at the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at Galería de Cristal on April 21, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.

Rafael Nadal, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, will be honored by the French Open for his legendary achievements at Roland Garros. Known for his dominance on clay, Nadal earned the admiration of fellow players and opponents alike throughout his remarkable career.

The Spanish icon has won the French Open a record 14 times, the most singles titles by any player in the tournament’s history. This historic feat is among the many reasons the tournament’s organizers have planned a tribute to celebrate Nadal’s legacy next week in Paris.

Ahead of the ceremony, Nadal made a surprise announcement involving the Rafa Nadal Museum, located in his hometown of Manacor, Mallorca. The museum has unveiled a brand-new French Open section, showcasing the most iconic moments of his Roland Garros journey.

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The exhibit includes all 14 of his Roland Garros trophies and the rackets he used during each of those championship runs. One of the highlights is a replica of the sculpture displayed at the French Open museum, which will now be featured in the Rafa Nadal Museum.

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Nadal’s unmatched French Open records

Dominating a single tournament is rare in professional tennis, but Rafael Nadal has done just that at Roland Garros. His record at the French Open is nothing short of extraordinary, setting milestones that even legends like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic haven’t matched in their strongest events.

Carlos Alcaraz makes history with Italian Open title, extends Nadal’s clay-court legacy with win over Sinner

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Here are some of Nadal’s most impressive accomplishments at Roland Garros:

  • Record 14-time French Open champion.
  • Astounding 112–4 win-loss record at the tournament.
  • Undefeated in all French Open finals.
  • Won multiple titles without dropping a single set.
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With achievements like these, it’s no surprise that the tournament is preparing a special tribute. Fans eagerly await the emotional ceremony, where Nadal is expected to reflect on what has been the most dominant chapter of his legendary career.

Who has the most titles at Roland Garros?

While Nadal is widely recognized as the king of Roland Garros, the record for most overall titles at the tournament belongs to Max Decugis, a French player from the early 20th century. Though he won eight singles titles, his total tally at Roland Garros stands at 28 championships.

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Decugis captured 13 doubles titles and 7 in mixed doubles, all during the French Championships era, an event limited to French players before it became an international tournament. That distinction explains his remarkable title count.

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