‘Big Four’ reunite at Nadal’s French Open farewell

Roger, Novak, and Andy, Rafa.

For a modern tennis fan, the names John, Paul, George, and Ringo do for a Beatles fan as quickly as they do Ringo.

This elite group of superstars from the ATP Tour’s post-millennium golden era is not often seen together these days, with Rafael Nadal being the third player to retire at the end of last year.

However, he, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray reunited on Sunday to bid the French Open its 14-time champion a heartfelt farewell.

After his rivals, 37, ran out with him on Court Philippe Chatrier, Nadal said, “It’s unbelievable how time changes the perspective of things.

When you see someone as a rival, you experience all the nerves, pressure, and strange feelings. When you complete your career, it completely changes.

We created incredible rivalries, but I believe we did so well: we worked hard for titles, worked together, and treated one another with respect.

Federer received the first warm embrace from Djokovic and Murray, who famously held hands with Nadal as they cried during the 43-year-old Swiss’ career’s final game.

Djokovic, 38, arrived in Paris shortly after taking home his 100th career title on Saturday, while Briton Murray joked afterwards that he had assumed he would be there as Serb’s coach.

Amelie Mauresmo, French Open tournament director, asked Murray if he could still make it after their partnership ended earlier this month.

Nadal said, “I didn’t know they would be here, but I could picture them coming.”

“Sometimes people’s agendas are challenging. But they are aware that [being there] would truly make my day special.”

Murray’s travels to Paris and back on Sunday demonstrated his appreciation and respect for Nadal, who he soon became friends with when they were younger.

“People use records to justify it, but I genuinely believe this one,” and I would be very, very surprised if that is the case.

It will, in my opinion, stand the test of time.

“He’s a fantastic player, amazing player, and great guy, and it was great to see him receive a proper send-off.”

Later, Nadal shared a humorous anecdote that revealed more about his friendship with Murray.

He messaged me after Arsenal defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Hey Rafa, I haven’t spoken to you in a while; I’m just checking in to make sure you’re okay.

Nadal won 14 of his matches on the world’s most renowned clay court, Court Philippe Chatrier, where he spent the majority of his 115 French Open victories.

He came back for a special farewell six months after his career-ending defeat at the Davis Cup Finals in Spain.

Spanish red and yellow were once the color of the Chatrier’s Nadal matches. The color scheme was terracotta from Roland Garros on Sunday.

On their way into the 15, 000-seater stadium, each ticketholder was given a T-shirt, setting up a color scheme that matched the Nadal era’s dominant surface for a while.

The “Rafa! ” chant began before Nadal made his appearance for the 50-minute ceremony. Rafa ! Rafa”! as his adoring audience waited for his arrival rang out.

A suit-and-booted Nadal exited, which included reigning women’s champion Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz, who have long been viewed as the heir to Nadal’s crown.

Following that, a protracted round of more than a minute of extended applause. As Nadal digested the acclaim, he bit his lip and wiped his mouth, causing him to become overcome with emotion.

Nadal was unable to hold back the tears as the speech was finished in Spanish, French, and English.

His uncle Toni, the one who had been teaching him tennis since he was three years old and who had helped him win 16 of his 22 major titles, snuck through a message of thanks to one particular family member.

There was still room for another surprise after Federer, Djokovic, and Murray’s cameo. Next to the Chatrier net post, Mauresmo and Gilles Moreton, president of the French Tennis Federation, unveiled a silver plaque with the footprint of Nadal.

“It was flawless. A more emotional day was beyond my wildest expectations. Nadal praised it as being unforgettable and full of emotion.