On May 25, 2025, the clay of Roland-Garros, an emblematic scene of the incomparable heritage of Rafael Nadal, was the scene of a moment which deeply upset the world of tennis. Roland-Garros, where Nadal won 14 of his 22 Grand Chelem titles, welcomed a vibrant tribute to the “King of the clay” after his retirement in November 2024. The ceremony, which legends like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz, celebrated the monumental career of Nadal. However, it is the absence of the world number one Jannik Sinner-and the brilliant explanation of Nadal-which sparked an emotional storm, leaving the fans, the players and sinner himself in shock.

While 10,000 spectators filled the court Philippe-Chatrier, sporting t-shirts “thank you rafa” and waving banks where “rafa” was written with hearts, the atmosphere was electric. A video editing retraced Nadal’s journey: the 19-year-old who won his first title to Roland-Garros in 2005 to the warrior who fought against injuries to win his last in 2022. Nadal, dressed in an elegant black suit, was held to a desk, the voice loaded with emotion. The crowd roared when Federer, Djokovic, Murray and Alcaraz joined him on the court, but a question remained: where was Jannik Sinner, the world number 1 in reigning and player that Nadal had publicly praised?

In a moment of total silence, Nadal spoke directly to Sinner for the absence of the latter. “Sinner, you are the world number one in tennis, but I did not invite you today for a particular reason,” said Nadal in a firm but serious voice. “This day marks the end of my story here, but your story at Roland-Garros is just beginning. I want you to write your own heritage on this clay, not that you stay in the shadow of mine. This revelation amazed the crowd, and reports later confirmed that Sinner, who looked since Italy, had melted in tears, overwhelmed by Nadal’s words and the weight of his exclusion.

Sinner, who had faced Nadal twice at Roland-Garros in 2020 and 2021, reacted quickly with a live video message which spread like a trail of powder on social networks. In a declaration of ten words expressing his emotion, Sinner said: “Rafa, your words break my heart, but inspire my future. The world of tennis has ignited. Fans have flooded X of reactions, a publication collecting more than 50,000 mentions “I love”: “Sinner’s response to Nadal is of an absolute class. It’s tennis! The Tennis Channel analysts spoke of a “torchlight”, while others speculated that Nadal’s decision was a deliberate act to push sinner to trace his own path to Roland-Garros, where he has never won a title.

The context of the absence of sinner added nuances to the drama. Freshly out of a three -month suspension for doping which ended in May 2025, Sinner had made a comeback on the circuit, dominating the Italian Open. Nadal had publicly defended it, declaring in an interview on CNN in April 2025: “I believe 100% that Jannik is innocent. However, some speculated that Nadal’s choice to exclude Sinner from the ceremony was influenced by the persistent controversy around the doping case, although Nadal’s words suggested the opposite – a gesture anchored with respect for the potential of sinner rather than in judgment.

At a press conference after the ceremony, Djokovic described Nadal’s decision “daring but wise”, stressing: “Rafa knows that Jannik can win here. He leaves her space to shine. “Federer echoes this declaration:” The time came for Jannik, and Rafa’s words will motivate him. “Alcaraz, who faced Sinner in the semi-finals of Roland-Garros 2024, added:” Jannik’s response shows why it is number 1. He is ready to take up this challenge. »»

The tennis community remains divided. Some fans on X praised Nadal’s clairvoyance, one of them writing: “Rafa protects his inheritance while carrying sinner upwards. Genius. Others have said that Sinner deserved to be there, with a viral message declaring: “Sinner tears broke me. He should have been honored with Rafa. In any case, Sinner’s emotional reaction has consolidated his status as a high class player, and his quest for a first title in Roland-Garros in 2025 now has an even greater weight.

While Nadal unveiled a plaque bearing his name and his footprint on the court Philippe-Chatrier, the ceremony ended with a standing ovation. However, it was his words to Sinner – and the sincere response of the latter – which caused a sensation, proving that even in retirement, Nadal’s influence continues to shape the future of tennis. To Sinner, the challenge is clear: getting out of Nadal’s shadow and conquering his own crown on clay.