Rafael Nadal’s French Open farewell ceremony cancelled amid retirement uncertainty
A farewell ceremony that was planned for Rafael Nadal at the 2024 French Open has been cancelled, tournament director Amelie Mauresmo has revealed.
Mauresmo explained Nadal “wants to leave the door open” to the possibility of competing at Roland Garros again next year.
Nadal has previously announced hat 2024 would likely be the final season of his glittering career, but has not set a definitive timeline for how long he intends to keep playing.
The former world No 1, who is currently ranked 276th, will take on fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the opening round of the French Open on Monday. Nadal is a 14-time Roland Garros winner and holds a staggering 112-3 record at the Paris Grand Slam.
The 37-year-old is making his first appearance at a Grand Slam since the 2023 Australian Open, where he suffered a hip injury that ended his season.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion made his long-awaited comeback in Brisbane in January, before further physical issues kept him out until the clay season as he returned in Barcelona in April.
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Speaking on the first day of the tournament, Mauresmo, a two-time Grand Slam winner, divulged that plans for Nadal’s farewell tribute have been put on hold.
“As you can imagine, we had something planned for him, but he said [on Saturday] – he told us actually before yesterday – that he doesn’t know if it’s gonna be his last Roland Garros or not,” said the former world No 1.
“He wants to leave the door open for him maybe to come back next year as a player. So we’re not going to push him to do anything.
“It’s his decision when he wants to have a proper ceremony or proper goodbye and proper farewell. So we’re not going to do it this year.
“That’s his wish, even though we’re ready to push the button and something happens, we are obviously going to respect what he wants and make sure we are ready whenever he feels he wants to do it: later this year, next year, anytime he wants.”
In his pre-tournament press conference, Nadal admitted this would probably be his last French Open, but stressed he had not made a final decision.
“Is this my last Roland Garros? Probably yes, but I don’t want to say 100%,” said the tennis legend.
“I don’t want to close the door. This place is magical for me. I may say yes in a couple of months, but I feel better than a month and a half ago.
“I am enjoying and feel competitive in training. I can play against anyone and I don’t feel worse than others. That gives me hope. I progressed since Rome, especially in terms of movement. I can run without limitations now.
“I’m not anxious, I’m focused on trying to play. Maybe I will repeat the disaster of Rome but in my mind I’m going to give myself a chance to be competitive here. The answer will be on Monday.”
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