Nadal touched by presence of great rivals during French Open tribute

PARIS - Rafael Nadal said the presence of his friends and rivals Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray during a celebration of his glorious career at the French Open made an emotional May 25 evening all the more special.

Thousands of fans including defending men’s and women’s champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek wore brick-red ‘Merci Rafa’ shirts before 14-times Roland Garros champion Nadal was immortalised on Court Philippe Chatrier with a plaque.

The loudest cheers, however, came when Federer, Djokovic and Murray stepped onto the hallowed clay court to share a few words and laughs with Nadal after the Spaniard had welled up watching a video of his greatest moments.

I didnt know, but I imagined they would come. The agendas of people sometimes are difficult. But of course, they knew that they were going to make the day very special, Nadal told a packed press conference.

Novak is playing here, so its easier. But Andy and Roger coming meant a lot to me because they represent a very important part of my tennis career. In some ways we pushed each other to the limits. Thats the truth.

We were four of the best rivals. In some way when youre only two, you can lose a bit the motivation because the other starts losing or gets injured. Here, you never had to imagine, because always one of the four was winning the tournament.

We achieved our dreams. And probably because of that kind of rivalry we raised the numbers of the history of tennis to the next level. That helps to the next generation to try to improve them. Im sure thats going to happen.

Nadal, who ended his career after representing Spain in the Davis Cup in November, said he had “infinite gratitude” for the people who