Rafael Nadal‘s era might come to an end but his peers have an idea to keep it etched in the hearts forever. While people’s love has immortalized Nadal, his colleagues have come up with something to cement his legacy. Former French pro Julien Benneteau suggested something a Croatian player mentioned two years back.

Benneteau had an interesting suggestion about paying tribute to Rafael Nadal for his contribution to the sport. When a few days back Nadal announced his retirement after the season, it stormed the world saddening everyone. While many paid adorable tributes with gratitude messages, some chose to shed light on the Mallorcan legend’s intimidating acts that made him one of Tennis Big Three. Benneteau faced off against Nadal four times but won only once in Lyon against him. Despite rivalry, this former French player had a great idea to commemorate Nadal’s tennis journey.

“The name of the tournament will not change. But I don’t know to what extent it is possible to change the name of a court. If there is a court on earth that deserves to bear Nadal’s name, it is the Philippe-Chatrier court. It wouldn’t shock me, I don’t know if it is possible,” Benneteau said in an interview on L’Equipe Channel. While the former French player’s statement delighted Nadal’s supporters, Real Club de Tenis Barcelona’s central court was already named Pista Rafael Nadal in 2017.

Benneteau’s proposal made sense because the Spaniard earned a 63-8 record on the clay surface. Among them were 14 Roland Garros victories he attained on this court. Philippe-Chatrier court is not just a playground for Rafa but also a stage where he cemented his worth in the sport. Therefore, Benneteau’s suggestion made sense. However, the debate about whether Philippe-Chatrier should be renamed after Rafa started in 2022. An ATP star highlighted a similar proposal to Benneteau’s suggestion when Rafa won his 14th French Open title.

Croatian tennis player offered a proposal congratulating Rafael Nadal

When the Mallorcan legend won his 14th French Open title people expressed their delight and surprise. From Rod Laver to Stefanos Tsitsipas, many ATP stars congratulated him. However, Croatian player Ivan Ljubicic tweeted a special suggestion to commemorate the victory. “Not many PLAYED 14 @rolandgarros tournaments. He won it 14 times. There is no word to describe this feat. Don’t think good old Phillippe would mind if his court changes the name to Rafael Nadal – statue is not enough,” he wrote. His suggestion echoed Benneteau’s words. While the Roland Garros committee erected a statue of him in his usual position of hitting a forehand, the renaming of courts hasn’t been discussed yet.

Nevertheless, Julien Benneteau’s words offered a magnificent tribute to Rafa remembering his French Open glory. While he would retire in a few days, his legacy will remain in the sport, motivating the next generation to excel.