Rafael Nadal’s moving speech to Roland Garros 2025 shocked the world of tennis with a heartbreaking revelation on the future of his son.

On May 25, 2025, the clay of the court Philippe-Chatrier de Roland Garros became the scene of one of the most moving moments in the history of tennis. Rafael Nadal, the “clay king” with an unrivaled list of 14 titles at Roland-Garros, appeared in front of a crowd of 15,000 people to give a moving farewell speech that made the world of tennis cry. The ceremony, which commemorated Nadal’s retreat in November 2024, brought together the “Big Four” – Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray – in a rare and moving demonstration of camaraderie. But it is Nadal’s heartbreaking revelation about his two -year -old son, Rafael, who shocked the world of tennis: “I will support my son if he chooses tennis, but I fear that he will not follow a path far from my heritage! »»

The Open of France, where Nadal has a record of 112 victories and 4 defeats, has turned into a gratitude sanctuary, with fans carrying orange t-shirts “thank you rafa” and spectators in the upper stands forming a mosaic of letters “rafa” and “14 rG” flanked by hearts. A video editing of Nadal’s triumphs, from his first victory in 2005 against Roger Federer until his title hardly won in 2022, was broadcast on stadium screens, making the 38 -year -old Spanish cry. Dressed in a black suit, Nadal was standing in front of a desk, with a broken voice when he spoke in French, English and Spanish. “It’s hard,” he started, wiping his eyes. “I don’t know where to start after 20 years of victories, defeats and feelings of all emotions on this short. »»

The ceremony, orchestrated by the president of the French Tennis Federation, Gilles Moretton, and the director of the tournament, Amélie Mauresmo, ended with the unveiling of a plate bearing the imprint of the hand, the name and the number 14 of Nadal, permanent mark of his domination. But it was Nadal’s sincere words about his son who caught attention. Returning to his own trying journey, marked by wounds and unfailing dedication, Nadal shared his contradictory feelings: “I will support my son if he chooses tennis, but I fear that he will not follow a path far away from my heritage. Tennis gave me everything, but the sacrifices were immense. I want him to find his own path, even if it is not my sport. The declaration, pronounced in a trembling voice, affected a sensitive string, stressing Nadal’s humility and his hope in the freedom of choice of his son.

The presence of Federer, Djokovic and Murray has raised the moment to historical proportions. The “Big Four”, who defined an era with their ferocious rivalries, welcomed Nadal on the court, which had not been seen since the farewells of Federer to the Cup 2022. Nadal addressed them directly to them: “You pushed me to the end. Tennis is just a game, but your presence here shows that we can be friends despite the greatest rivalries. Djokovic, who has just won his 100th ATP title, described Nadal as “brother -in -arms”. Federer, holding his tears, “said:” Rafa, you made us all better. “Murray added:” Your heart is what we will remember the most. »»

The world of tennis broke out, fans publishing: “Nadal’s speech devastated me. The future of his son? I cry! Another wrote: “The Big Four gathered, Rafa’s words about his son: this is the story of tennis. “Carlos Alcaraz, the heir to Nadal, and Iga świątek, both dressed in t-shirts” thank you Rafa “, watched the match from the stands, świątek later:” I cried all the time. The hashtag #mercirafa has become trendy worldwide, collecting more than 2 million mentions.

Nadal’s revelations about his son aroused debates on his heritage. Having grown up under the supervision of his uncle Toni, who led him into 16 of his 22 Grand Chelem tournaments, Nadal knows the price of grandeur. “Toni, it is because of you that I am here,” she said, thanking her uncle in tears. However, their fear of seeing their son choosing a different path reflects a universal parental hope: seeing a child forge his own destiny. This vulnerability made Nadal even more dear to fans, who have flooded social networks of messages such as: “Rafa is not only a champion; He’s a father with dreams and fears. »»

While Nadal left the court, holding his son in his arms, the crowd chanted: “Rafa!” Rafa! The plate, with its imprint engraved in clay, ensures that its heritage continues. But his words on the future of his son and the unity of the “Big Four” left an even deeper mark, proving that the impact of Nadal transcends the titles. As a fan tweeted: “Rafa’s heart is his real heritage. Roland Garros 2025 will be remembered not only for tennis, but also for the love of a father and the grace of a champion.