Retired star Rafael Nadal honored at French Open with "Merci Rafa" shirts and presence of rivals Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

Nadal, a 14-time Roland Garros champion whose record may never be surpassed, was honored by tennis rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Roland Garros opened with tears, chants and a sea of brick-red T-shirts reading 'Merci Rafa' as the French Open paid an emotional tribute on Sunday to Rafael Nadal, the man who conquered its courts like no other.

It was already an emotional scene at the French Open on Sunday afternoon, when tennis legend Rafael Nadal was honored with a special farewell ceremony inside Roland-Garros, but a surprise appearance from three VIP guests really upped the ante.

Nadal is known as The King of Clay for a reason: 14 of his 22 major titles came at Roland-Garros. The Spaniard won his first French Open in 2005, just days after his 19th birthday, before going on an unprecedented run at the tournament over the following two decades. Nadal won his final French Open in 2022, days after turning 36.

Rafael Nadal is being celebrated during a ceremony in the main stadium of the French Open on Day 1 of the tournament.

Then, Sinner spoke from his heart. The Italian highlighted Rafa's greatness as a player and a person who remained unchanged by success. Mentioning the plaque, Jannik admitted it was the least the organizers could do to honor Nadal's achievements.

Is Rafael Nadal the greatest tennis champion of all time? Impossible to say. But a tear-jerking farewell ceremony, staged at Roland Garros on Sunday night, proved beyond doubt that he is the most humble.