Roland-Garros Tennis Grand Slam ’25 Looks To Future While Honoring Nadal, Past

By Barry Janoff

April 17, 2025: The most prolific player in Roland-Garros history won’t be playing, but he will play a major role during the second tennis Grand Slam of the year.

Organizers for Roland-Garros have shared a multi-platform celebration to honor Rafael Nadal, who retired this past November as the greatest player in tournament history, winning 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles on the clay courts in Paris.

"Rafa has left his mark on the history of the French Open in so many ways, that's why a tribute ceremony will be held in his honor," Amélie Mauresmo, French Open tournament director, said during a media conference.

“We want the tribute to be special, exceptional. We want it to be a surprise for everyone."

Nadal won his first title at Roland-Garros in 2005, his last in 2022. He played in the 2024 event, losing to Alexander Zverev in the first round.

According to Mauresmo, “We wanted to do the tribute last year, to be transparent, but he refused at the time. He wasn't sure that it was his last Roland Garros. Now that he is retired, he is happy to receive it."

This year’s French Open runs May 9-June 8.

A celebration is being planned for May 25 May on Philippe-Chatrier following the conclusion of the day session's three fixtures.

An exhibition dedicated to Nadal will run for the duration of the tournament at the Roland-Garros Tenniseum.

He also will become a global ambassador for Roland-Garros.

Roland-Garros will unveil its 2025 multi-media campaign this month, "Only at Roland-Garros,” which will feature Nadal as part of a 'visual and emotional celebration of the tournament.”

"Rafa made history at Roland Garros and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequalled," said Mauresmo.

Nadal is not the only player being feted at this year’s Paris Grand Slam.

Photo: ATPOn June 5, between the two women's semi-finals, a ceremony on Centre Court will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Mary Pierce’s singles and doubles titles in 2000. She was born in Montreal, but represented France during her pro career, which included induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2019.

There also will be a tribute to Richard Gasquet at the conclusion of his last game at Roland-Garros. The French-born player said he plans to retire after playing in his 22nd Roland-Garros tournament.

"The idea is to have a vision for the future and also to celebrate those who thrilled us in the past,” said Mauresmo.

Roland-Garros organizers said "Only at Roland-Garros” would be a “visual and emotional celebration of the tournament. Through iconic visuals such as player slides on the legendary clay, the tournament’s famous Panama hats or indeed the Jardin des Mousquetaires, this campaign demonstrates the uniqueness of the Parisian event.”

A promotional video featuring Rafael Nadal will complete this feature, offering spectators an unprecedented immersion into the world of Roland-Garros.

The campaign will appear on TV and digital media as well out-of-home in Paris.

This year will be the first Roland-Garros Grand Slam broadcast in the U.S. by Warner Bros. Discovery’s Turner Sports, which last year signed a ten-year deal for exclusive rights, taking over from NBC, which covered the tournament every year since 1983.

At the exhibition dedicated to Nadal, visitors will be able to relive key moments in Nadal's career, from his first Roland-Garros tournament to his farewell through photographs, videos and personal effects.

After a record attendance of 75,000 in 2024, this year the capacity will be 90,000, according to organizers.

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