Rafael Nadal, one of the greatest tennis players in history, was honored in an emotional farewell ceremony at Roland Garros, where he won the French Open 14 times. In a packed 15,000-seat stadium, every fan wore a ''Merci Rafa'' t-shirt, including current star Carlos Alcaraz. The tribute featured a rare reunion of the ''Big Four'' — Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Nadal — standing together on the court, not as rivals, but as close friends celebrating a shared legacy.
During the ceremony, Nadal shared his feelings of happiness and gratitude for all they had achieved. Roland Garros also revealed a permanent imprint of Nadal’s footprint on the clay of Court Philippe Chatrier, marking his lasting impact on the sport. He ended the moment by waving to the crowd with his young son, Rafa Jr., creating a touching symbol of tennis across generations. The event concluded backstage, with high-fives, smiles, and the kind of memories that last a lifetime — a perfect farewell for an all-time great.
Vocabulary:
• farewell (noun): a goodbye or send-off for someone who is leaving
• stadium (noun): a large place with seats where sports or concerts happen
• tribute (noun): something done to show respect or thanks
• imprint (noun): a mark left on a surface, like a footprint
• legacy (noun): what someone leaves behind after their career or life
• generation (noun): all the people born around the same time
• emotional (adj): full of strong feelings like joy or sadness
• rival (noun): a person you compete against
• grateful (adj): feeling thankful
• unforgettable (adj): something very special that you will always remember
Source: Good Morning America