Nadal is known as The King of Clay for a reason: 14 of his 22 major titles came at Roland-Garros. The Spaniard won his first French Open in 2005, just days after his 19th birthday, before going on an unprecedented run at the tournament over the following two decades. Nadal won his final French Open in 2022, days after turning 36.

Nadal, a 14-time Roland Garros champion whose record may never be surpassed, was honored by tennis rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

The most touching moment came when three familiar faces walked onto the court to join him: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray the remaining members of tennis’s iconic “Big Four.” Nadal shared hugs, private words, and smiles with his long-time rivals and friends, each of whom played a major role in his historic career.