French Open schedules major opening day homage for the retired Rafael Nadal
The French Open will honor the record 14-time champion Rafa Nadal on the opening day of the Grand Slam next month, marking a year since the Spanish player played his final match on the clay of Roland Garros, organizers announced on Thursday....
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The French Open will honor the record 14-time champion Rafa Nadal on the opening day of the Grand Slam next month, marking a year since the Spanish player played his final match on the clay of Roland Garros, organizers announced on Thursday.
Nadal faced an unexpected early departure from the tournament last year, losing in the first round to Alexander Zverev. At that time, he did not confirm whether it would be the last opportunity for his devoted fans in Paris to see him compete at the major event.
Following his retirement from professional tennis after representing Spain in the Davis Cup in November, Nadal is set to return to his beloved venue for a grand celebration of his remarkable achievements.
"Rafa made history at Roland Garros and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequalled," said tournament director and two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo during a press conference. “The ceremony in honor of Rafa will take place at the end of the day session on May 25 on Court Philippe Chatrier. The idea is to have a vision for the future and also to celebrate those who thrilled us in the past."
Additionally, the French Open will pay tribute to its 2000 women's champion Mary Pierce and local favorite Richard Gasquet, who is set to retire after this year's tournament.
The total prize pool for the event, which runs from May 25 to June 8, has been set at 56.352 million euros, reflecting a 5.21 percent increase from 2024, as noted by Mauresmo.
Significant increases in prize money at the Grand Slams were central to the requests made by the world’s top players in their recent correspondence with the four major tournaments, and the French Open has expressed willingness to engage in constructive discussions.
In other news, French Tennis Federation chief Gilles Moretton stated that the Grand Slam would maintain tradition by not replacing line judges with electronic line calling, in contrast to other major tournaments that are embracing this technology more extensively.
Wimbledon will introduce electronic line calling starting this year, joining the U.S. Open and the Australian Open in adopting the technology.
Roland Garros has opted against a similar approach despite the existence of electronic line-calling technology designed specifically for clay courts, which allows for traces left by balls on the surface to assist umpires in their decisions.
"I think we are right to keep our referees and linesmen at Roland Garros. The federation wants to keep our referees for as long as we can," Moretton stated. "I hope we'll be able to maintain it in our tournaments in the future."
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
Nadal faced an unexpected early departure from the tournament last year, losing in the first round to Alexander Zverev. At that time, he did not confirm whether it would be the last opportunity for his devoted fans in Paris to see him compete at the major event.
Following his retirement from professional tennis after representing Spain in the Davis Cup in November, Nadal is set to return to his beloved venue for a grand celebration of his remarkable achievements.
"Rafa made history at Roland Garros and his 14 titles will perhaps remain unequalled," said tournament director and two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo during a press conference. “The ceremony in honor of Rafa will take place at the end of the day session on May 25 on Court Philippe Chatrier. The idea is to have a vision for the future and also to celebrate those who thrilled us in the past."
Additionally, the French Open will pay tribute to its 2000 women's champion Mary Pierce and local favorite Richard Gasquet, who is set to retire after this year's tournament.
The total prize pool for the event, which runs from May 25 to June 8, has been set at 56.352 million euros, reflecting a 5.21 percent increase from 2024, as noted by Mauresmo.
Significant increases in prize money at the Grand Slams were central to the requests made by the world’s top players in their recent correspondence with the four major tournaments, and the French Open has expressed willingness to engage in constructive discussions.
In other news, French Tennis Federation chief Gilles Moretton stated that the Grand Slam would maintain tradition by not replacing line judges with electronic line calling, in contrast to other major tournaments that are embracing this technology more extensively.
Wimbledon will introduce electronic line calling starting this year, joining the U.S. Open and the Australian Open in adopting the technology.
Roland Garros has opted against a similar approach despite the existence of electronic line-calling technology designed specifically for clay courts, which allows for traces left by balls on the surface to assist umpires in their decisions.
"I think we are right to keep our referees and linesmen at Roland Garros. The federation wants to keep our referees for as long as we can," Moretton stated. "I hope we'll be able to maintain it in our tournaments in the future."
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
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