In awe at the sight of the clay warrior, 15,000 adoring fans watched a prepared tribute video. Nadal stood motionless, as if in awe as well.
It was pulsating inside Chatrier, the energy building like a fever. When the tribute video ended, before Nadal had even uttered a word, the crowd refused to stop applauding for more than two minutes. Then they started chanting RAFA! RAFA! as on-court cameras panned to his family in tears courtside.
Nadal took the mic to speak, also on the verge of tears, and the clamour only got louder.
As of Sunday evening there must be enough of Nadal’s blood, sweat and tears in the terre battue to create a biblical flood. The Spaniard’s playing days may be over but the indelible mark he has left on this tournament and on the city of Paris will serve as inspiration for all who dare to dream of becoming a Roland-Garros icon.
After Nadal’s prepared words, in which he thanked his wife Maria Francisca, his parents Sebastian and Ana Maria, his Uncle Toni and many others, a Big Four reunion took place with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray walking on court to thunderous cheers.
“It’s incredible how time changes the perspective of everything,” Nadal told his peers.
“All of us achieved our dreams,” he continued. “We showed the world that we could fight as hard as possible, but in a good way, being good colleagues and respectful to one another.”
