PARIS: Tennis legend Rafael Nadal received a heartwarming farewell at Roland Garros, where he was honored for his historic French Open career. Fans on Court Philippe Chatrier celebrated the ‘King of Clay’ with a vibrant “14 RG, Rafa” display — a tribute to his record 14 titles at the tournament. Now retired at 38, Nadal reflected on two decades of dominance, describing this court as “the most important of my career.”
Emotional and nostalgic, Nadal watched a video of his unforgettable moments on the Paris clay. He recalled his 2005 title win after a foot injury nearly ended his dreams in 2004. Surrounded by family, former coaches — including Uncle Toni — and tennis royalty like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray, Nadal soaked in the roaring appreciation from fans and peers alike.
His unmatched 112-4 win-loss record at the French Open cements his legacy as one of the greatest ever. Though he played his final match in 2024 against Alexander Zverev, Sunday’s tribute was a fitting closure to an iconic Roland Garros chapter.
Sabalenka Begins Title Hunt With Statement Win
World number one Aryna Sabalenka wasted no time asserting dominance on Day 1. Under the closed roof of Philippe Chatrier, she dismantled Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-1, 6-0 in just 60 minutes. The Belarusian blasted 30 winners and showed why she’s a favorite this year — especially with reigning champion Iga Swiatek struggling for form.
Though Sabalenka hasn’t reached a final in Paris yet, her confidence is soaring. “I feel I can do really good here,” she said post-match. With the field more open than usual, her form may finally push her across the finish line.
Zheng Qinwen Powers Through First Round
China’s Zheng Qinwen, Olympic gold medalist at Roland Garros last year, passed a tough test against former finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Her 6-4, 6-3 victory highlighted her composure and determination. “I will carry the gold medal mentality throughout the tournament,” declared the No. 8 seed — signaling she’s here for business.
Svitolina, Lys Shine; Kvitova, Stearns Crash Out
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina breezed past Zeynep Sonmez 6-1, 6-1 in a rain-hit opening, while Germany’s Eva Lys upset No. 28 seed Peyton Stearns with a dominant 6-0, 6-3 display. In a surprising result, Petra Kvitova was ousted by Viktorija Golubic in three sets.
Medjedovic, Musetti Lead Early Men’s Action
Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic became the first man into round two, beating Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(2). Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti overcame a tight first set to sweep past Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann 7-5, 6-2, 6-0. Both are off to promising starts in what could be an unpredictable men’s draw.
As the clay settles in Paris, emotions are high and ambitions higher — a thrilling tournament is well underway.
