The French Open is entering a new era this year now that Rafael Nadal has retired. Players tend to agree that it is a shame fans no longer will get to see him play at a tournament he won a record 14 times.

For quite some time, there’s usually been a sense of certainty at the French Open. That was particularly so on the men’s side, with Rafael Nadal ruling over the red clay of Roland-Garros the way no one has dominated any tournament in tennis history.

The numbers reach a crescendo, almost drowned out by the cheers from an adoring crowd, before Maury concludes, simply: “From Spain, Rafael Nadal!” Roland Garros 2025 marks two