‘It’s Going to Be Tough to Match’: Nadal’s Legendary Achievements Still Hard to Grasp Following Emotional Farewell Ceremony for Spanish Star

Australian tennis legend Wally Masur has sought to highlight the remarkable impact Rafael Nadal had on the expectations of tennis during his reign at Roland-Garros, particularly following a recent ceremony in his honour.

On Monday (AEST), Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray gathered at Roland-Garros for a tribute to 14-time champion Rafa Nadal, marking what seems to be the approaching end of a golden chapter in men’s tennis.

A video tribute showcased Nadal alongside his three rivals, collectively known as the ‘Big Four,’ who boast a staggering 69 Grand Slam titles among them.

Masur, speaking on Stan Sport’s Grand Slam Daily, reflected that he never imagined that anyone could equal or even surpass Bjorn Borg’s record in Paris.

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“We couldn’t let you head off like this,” Murray remarked during the recorded tribute, before he, Federer, and Djokovic stepped together onto the clay court.

Nadal, who will be turning 39 next month and hung up his racquet after last season, embraced each of them as he sauntered over.

The group shared back pats and camaraderie.

The audience of 15,000 wore red, clay-coloured shirts emblazoned with ‘Merci Rafa,’ with players like world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz in attendance.

“In the end, it’s about reflecting on the joy of what we’ve all accomplished,” Nadal expressed.

“Ultimately, we’ve all fulfilled our dreams.”

Now 43, Federer played his last match in 2021 and announced his retirement the following year.

Murray, who celebrated his 38th birthday this month, concluded his career after competing in last year’s Paris Olympics and briefly took on a coaching role with Djokovic this season.

Djokovic, who celebrated his 38th birthday on Thursday and clinched his 100th career title on Saturday, is the only active member of this quartet.

With 24 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic holds the record for the most by any male player, followed by Nadal with 22, Federer with 20, and Murray with three.

“After so many years of competition, it’s remarkable how time changes one’s perspective,” Nadal shared with his peers.

“You might be aware of this too, Novak. Andy, you probably understand as well. Roger and I have discussed this several times. The nerves, the pressure, all those strange feelings when we see each other as rivals—it’s entirely different when you finish your career.”

Moved by the tribute, Masur remarked on Nadal’s extraordinary achievements at Roland Garros, expressing disbelief over the number of majors he won at that venue.

“Rafa’s accomplishments there are truly astonishing. It’s difficult to comprehend,” Masur commented.

“When I entered the tour, Bjorn Borg was dominating the clay, defeating opponents with relentless efficiency. I thought, this is going to be a hard act to follow. And yet, Rafa smashed all those records, claiming 14 titles.

“You can only imagine how often he battled through adversity, the times he wasn’t at his best, personal matters weighing on him, yet he consistently found a way to triumph.

“The physicality and his forehand, in particular, are nothing short of incredible.”

Nadal and Djokovic squared off a staggering 60 times, the most encounters between any male players in the Open era, which commenced in 1969.

Djokovic holds a narrow lead over Nadal in their head-to-head encounters at 31-29, having won their last meeting in the second round of the Paris Olympics last year. However, Nadal leads their French Open matches 8-2, while he holds a 24-16 advantage over Federer, including a perfect 6-0 record at Roland-Garros, and a 17-7 lead against Murray.

“We’ve demonstrated to the world that we can compete fiercely while respecting and supporting each other,” Nadal declared. “It means so much to me that all of you are here today.

“You have presented me with formidable challenges throughout my career, but I’ve relished the opportunity to push my limits on the court with each of you.”

“Thank you, France. Thank you, Paris, for providing me with experiences and moments I never thought possible. You can’t imagine how fulfilling it is to feel valued in a place that has meant so much to me… it has made me feel like a part of your family.

“Though I can no longer compete in front of you, my heart and memories will always be intertwined with this extraordinary venue.”

Masur likened Nadal’s remarkable success at Roland Garros to Floyd Mayweather’s undefeated record, acknowledging that while tennis may be perceived as merely a sport, Nadal emerged as an icon of the clay court.

“I found it amusing when he remarked that, at the end of the day, tennis is just a game,” Masur said.

“He played each match as if his life depended on it. His dedication to the sport was unmatched.”

– additional reporting by Sophie Wisely