Kim Clijsters Calls Rafael Nadal’s Tribute Ceremony Attended by His 3 Biggest Rivals ‘Just So Perfect’
Rafael Nadal called time on his career at the Davis Cup last year after Spain’s defeat to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. He didn’t receive a farewell at Roland Garros last year because he was unsure about his retirement.
In his last match at the French Open, Nadal unsurprisingly lost to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev in the first round. About a couple of months later, he returned to Roland Garros to play in the Paris Olympics and was defeated in the second round by eventual winner and his longtime rival Novak Djokovic.
Roland Garros then organized a special ceremony on Day 1 on Court Philippe-Chatrier to pay tribute to the King of Clay this season. His three biggest rivals- Roger Federer, Djokovic, and Andy Murray were present there.
The 39-year-old gave a speech in three different languages and later a plaque of his footprint was unveiled. Former No.1 from WTA, Kim Clijsters, like many from the tennis world, absolutely loved the ceremony. She told Love All Podcast:
I really, really loved the whole tribute. Seeing Roger and Novak and Andy walk out and I don’t know, it was just so perfect. I feel like for him, to hear him talk about his family members and how much they’ve meant…just the impact that they’ve all had…it was just really beautiful.