Rafael Nadal was the undisputed star in Madrid on Monday. Presented his honor by legendary Olympic gold medal-winning hurdler Edwin Moses, and handed his trophy by gymnast Simone Biles, the winner of World Sportswoman of the Year, Rafa accepted his second-ever Laureus Sporting Icon Award at the 25th edition of Laureus Awards. The two-time Laureus winner, who bid farewell at the Davis Cup in November, stood humbled by the recognition. “A lot of you have been sportspeople that inspired [me] since I was a kid and having the chance to talk in front of you today is something very, very special,” Nadal said with a voice full of gratitude. But the night was also about the legacy that his fellow compatriots continue to praise.

Carlos Alcaraz, one of the nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year prize, was quick to pay tribute. “I’d like to say that nobody deserves more than Rafa that award. I think what he has done for tennis, for himself, for his family, his team, has been unbelievable during his whole career, 20 years, 25, 23 years in the top position,” Alcaraz said on the red carpet.

Just two days ago, after his Barcelona Open final loss to Holger Rune, Alcaraz stated he “bows at the feet of Rafa.” With 18 titles (4 Grand Slams, 6 Masters 1000), he expressed even more respect for Nadal’s sustained clay dominance. The numbers behind Nadal’s career are staggering: 92 ATP titles, 22 Grand Slams, 1,080 tour-level match wins, and 209 weeks as world No. 1. He noted the difficulty of winning Monte Carlo and Barcelona back-to-back—a feat Nadal achieved multiple times among his record 63 clay titles, including 14 French Opens and 11 Monte Carlo crowns.

Later, at the award ceremony, Alcaraz added, “Having the injuries, coming back, winning grand slams, winning big titles. Year after year. I think that deserves recognition like this award. So I’m more than happy they gave it to him.” Battling chronic knee issues and foot injuries from Müller-Weiss syndrome, Nadal has still carved his legacy for generations to remember. Carlitos is not alone in his admiration.

Novak Djokovic, who faced Nadal 60 times and lost 29, called him “the biggest rival” of his life. Djokovic added, “He is definitely the right person to receive this award. No doubt, because of his success, but also his influence extends and expands on so many different areas of life, not just tennis and not just sport in general.”

Beyond their 60-match rivalry, he and Djokovic shared lighter moments, like when they partnered in the 2020 Australian Open charity doubles. Nadal’s humility, hard work, and resilience—evident in his zero racket smashes (compared to Djokovic’s 62)—inspired millions. As Nole stated, “I think that’s what people connected with even more, even deeper. So I think he is definitely the right person to receive this award.”

While Rafa may not play competitively anymore, his legacy is something many believe will inspire future generations. Even though his farewell was bittersweet—losing at the Davis Cup and not getting past the first round of his last French Open—as Novak put it, “No doubt, because of his success but also his influence extends and expands on so many different areas of life not just tennis and not just sport in general.”

Additionally, he is now receiving the tribute he deserves this year at Roland Garros.

Rafael Nadal to receive a heartwarming tribute at the 2025 French Open

On April 18, the tournament’s official channels announced that Rafael Nadal will be honored with a grand tribute on May 25, the opening day of the 2025 French Open. The ceremony will light up Court Philippe-Chatrier, right after the three-day session matches. This is the very court where Nadal won 11 and 13 French Open titles more than his rival, Djokovic and Roger Federer, respectively. The excitement is real.

Roland Garros teased fans with, “A ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 25 on Court Philippe-Chatrier, after the three matches of the day session.” One post showed Rafa hoisting the Coupe des Mousquetaires, the trophy he’s lifted 14 times. Nadal himself joined the buzz, reposting the announcement on his Instagram story with a heartfelt, “See you soon, Paris! ☺”

This isn’t just any tribute—it’s shaping up to be an emotional, unforgettable send-off. Nadal’s numbers at Roland Garros are the stuff of legend: a 112-4 (approx 97 winning percentage) match record, and a love affair with the Parisian clay that began with his first Grand Slam win in 2005 and stretched to his last major victory there in 2022. “Rafael Nadal and Roland-Garros, a love story since 2005 🧡” the social media team dropped a touching montage of his 23-year French Open journey.

Last year, Nadal declined a tribute because he wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Now, the stage is finally set for a celebration worthy of his epic achievements. The King of Clay and Roland Garros—inseparable, and soon to be celebrated like never before.