Just when the tennis world was slowly preparing itself to imagine a French Open without Rafael Nadal, the 14-time champion released a teaser for his grand comeback at this iconic clay court event. It’s time to celebrate his legacy! Nadal had a win-loss record of 112-4 and a win percentage of 96.5 in this event. Last year, due to some uncertainties, Nadal refused to accept a tribute that was planned for him. He later clarified it, saying, “At first I said yes, but at the last minute I realized that I didn’t want it. It would have hurt me to announce that it would be my last time in this tournament, knowing that I didn’t have the opportunity to prepare as I would have liked.” This year, he will go as a retiree, and there have been a lot of arrangements already made to celebrate his legacy in this iconic event. However, before that, Nadal was also spotted busy doing some preparations. Is there something big waiting for us before this mega tribute?
Talking about arrangements, Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director, had earlier announced that a tribute to Rafael Nadal will take place on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday, May 25 – the opening day of the tournament. According to Mauresmo’s previous statement, “Rafa has, of course, marked the history of Roland Garros in many different ways and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequalled in a Grand Slam tournament. He will not be playing this year at Roland Garros, but he will be very present by our side for this 2025 edition. Rafa has an important bond with Roland Garros. We want it to be a surprise.“
Even the French Tennis Federation president, Giles Moretton, had earlier highlighted how special Rafa’s chemistry with this tournament is. “It’s a love story. I think it’s important to talk about a love story because he has deep respect for the tournament, for clay, and we have the same respect for the player, for the ambassador he can become for Roland Garros and for the federation.” Before the final chapter at the Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal was spotted preparing himself with a microphone placed in front of him. The official IG page of Roland Garros shared that teaser with the caption, “Mic test and ready to go, see you in 3 days Only at #RolandGarros.” Wait a minute, the tribute is on May 25, but it seems that Nadal is preparing for something on May 12. What’s it? Well, it’s kept secret as of now!
Talking about the event on the 25th, Nadal had previously expressed his delight, saying, “I know it’s going to be a special evening on the 25th. I’m sure it’s going to be an exciting moment.” However, now, after seeing the new teaser, fans have become more curious and excited about what’s lined up for them in three days.
Amid all these, Rafael Nadal’s absence from the French Open would be an open door for a straight shot at the title. Last year, his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz won it. Can the sole member of the ‘Big 3’ win it this time?
Can Novak Djokovic capitalize on Rafael Nadal’s absence and win the 2025 French Open?
Novak Djokovic has won the French Open title thrice (2016,2021,2023). However, he has struggled a bit to win titles in the last twelve months. But we must not forget that the Serb won the gold medal at the Olympics on this same surface last year by defeating Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic had made early exits from both the Monte Carlo and Madrid Open this year, so this is really going to be a big challenge for the Serb to deliver in Paris.
Previously, while sharing his thoughts on facing Rafael Nadal on clay, he said, “He has been the greatest rival that I ever had. Matches against him on clay have frustrated me so much in my career. It’s the highest mountain to climb for me to win Roland Garros, particularly because of Nadal, because I always have to win against him in order to get to the title.” Now, with the absence of his biggest hurdle, does Djokovic have a chance of winning the French Open title?
Well, Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Italian Open has “surprised” Roger Federer’s former coach, Paul Annacone. However, he said, “I think he probably feels at Roland Garros he will be able to play himself into a good rhythm. He has had success there in the past and knows how to win. But it is a long time not to play match.“
On the other hand, Jim Courier believes Djokovic may reach the R16 if he’s healthy. Another legend, Tracy Austin, says Novak Djokovic would make it to the second week. Interestingly, there is a lot at stake for Rafael Nadal’s biggest competitor after Roger Federer this season. Only two players in the history of men’s tennis have won 100 or more matches at a single Grand Slam event. [Roger Federer – 102 wins at the AO, 105 wins at Wimbledon, and Rafael Nadal – 112 wins at the French Open].
With the absence of the ‘King of Clay,’ it’s a good chance for Djokovic to win the title this year. If he does so, he’ll not only secure his 100th career title but also join his ‘Big 3’ rivals in the 100-win club. Do you think Djokovic can make a statement at the French Open in the post-Nadal era?
The post “See You in 3 Days,” Rafael Nadal Knows How to Tease Fandoms as Roland Garros Plans a Big Reveal appeared first on EssentiallySports.
