The king of Clay Court, Rafael Nadal is all set to unleash his magic in Rolland Garros for the final time. After withdrawing from the tour due to injury last year, this Spaniard made his fans wait for more than a year to witness his magic after 2022’s victory. Not just ordinary fans but Djokovic‘s former coach, Boris Becker also couldn’t contain his emotions for “one of the most important sportsmen of the last 25 years” according to him.

A reliable tennis fan recently took their X (formerly Twitter) to share the adorable moment between the crowd and Nadal at Rolland Garros’s Philippe Chatrier court. He dropped a clip where fans spotted Nadal greeting the members of the tour association and others inside the stadium as he gears up to enter the tennis court. “Rafael Nadal is back at #RolandGarros”- wrote the fan. This tweet didn’t miss tennis legend Boris Becker’s sight, who retweeted the moment to share it with his fans and wrote- “Wonderful to see Rafa back at his favourite playground…@rolandgarros.” 

This tennis fan further shared the heartwarming moment when fans at the Philippe Chatrier court welcomed their clay surface king with a warm welcome. Fans spotted the crowd continuously chanting Rafa’s name, clapping and applauding his achievements to congratulate him on the last attempt at Rolland Garros. “Incredible reception for Nadal on Chatrier. Emotional moments” captioned the fan after spotting the audience standing up as Rafa entered the court for his practice session.

For Nadal and his fans, this moment has been truly delicate. After 2022’s victory, this is the first time this Mallarcan participated in his favorite French Open tour. He withdrew from Rolland Garros last year due to his injury. Now following this retirement news, this is Nadal’s final French Open tour.

Rafa debuted on the French Open tour in 2005 and after that, he won 112 matches among the 115 ones he played. Nadal’s excellent track record on clay makes it obvious why legends like Boris Becker feel so emotional and delighted at such a warm welcome for the Spaniard. Given that he has always spoken about his admiration, fans saw it coming from him. On the other hand, Becker coached Djokovic from 2014 to 2016 and helped him in six of his twenty-two Grand Slams. His feelings for Nadal speak volumes about the Spaniard’s tennis brilliance.

Boris Becker calls Rafael Nadal his “favorite for the French Open”

Last year Boris Becker dropped some exciting comments about Nadal’s retirement on the Matchball Becker Show at Eurosport Germany. Becker responded to the question, that asked whether Rafa can continue to play professional tennis till he is 40. “An injury like that is hard, and at this age, it takes even longer to get back into shape. I hope and pray that he will get well soon and that we will see him looking fresh again in Paris at the latest, but I think his days are numbered,” said Becker.

However, he further expressed his admiration for the Spaniard. “He is not only a tennis legend, he is a sports legend. He is one of the most important sportsmen of the last 25 years. He has changed tennis and made it even more popular in his home country of Spain. He can become the president if he wants to. I think there would be a big gap if Rafa doesn’t play anymore, but I think he will pick up a racquet again” said Becker.

This former coach of Djokovic finally presented his excitement for Rafa on Rolland Garros clay court. Excited but a little sad, he said- “The clay court season will be his priority. If he is fit, he is still my favourite for the French Open, but even Rafael Nadal gets older eventually.”

Boris Becker’s happiness watching Rafa’s grand welcome at Philippe Chatrier’s court makes everyone nostalgic. It is the Spaniard’s dedication and hard work towards tennis that brought him so much love and respect from the fraternity.