Nadal’s emotional Roland-Garros tribute speech transcribed in full

Good evening everyone, I don’t know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years. After enjoying, suffering, winning, losing. After being moved every time I had the chance to be here.”

My infinite gratitude to Gilles, Amelie, and the entire Roland-Garros team for giving me the opportunity to have this far. Well, from, without a doubt, the most important tennis court of my career.

It’s been an incredible story that began back in 2004, when I came to Roland-Garros for the very first time. I could barely walk due to my foot injury, but that year I climbed to the top of the court on crutches. I’m looking at it from up there. I dreamt of coming back the following year to compete in 2005.

I was finally able to pay to play here for the first time. I was 18 years old, and my first major experience was the match that I played against my childhood friend and rival, Richard Gasquet.

From that day on, I fully understood what Roland-Garros meant.

I experienced everything. Over these 20 years, I’ve had incredible rivals like Andy, Novak and of course, Roger.

And of course, many others who pushed me to my physical and mental limits. Truly, nothing would have been as thrilling without these long lasting rivalries that have driven all of us to improve every single day. Roland Garros is unique not only because it’s a fundamental part of tennis history, but also because of all the people who work tirelessly, always with a smile, to make this tournament what it is unique.

I. I can’t name everyone, but I do want to give a special thanks to former French Federation Tennis presidents Christiane Jan Bernard and Nigel. Also to give for sure and to people you may not know, but who have supported me in every way. From behind the sense ot Sophie Amal el Gilbert and many more, all of them have shown me such kindness and affection that I simply don’t do.

I don’t have the words to thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. Thank you.

Here, in the stands they’ve kindly given us, there are so many people who wanted to be with me at this moment — family, team, and friends.

It’s hard to know where to begin, but I’ll start with my lifelong friends, who are and always have been a vital pillar for me. Thank you so much.

To the sponsors who became friends — thank you for trusting me all these years. And above all, thank you for never stopping believing in me during the difficult times. Thank you for the love and all the affection you’ve given me. Always.

To all the coaches, fitness trainers, and physios who, at some point in my career, were with me and helped me grow — thank you so much.

To my lifelong team — you’ve been a second family to me. Gemma, Nuria, Toots, Gustavo Bullet, Tomeu Francis, Charles, Joan, Rafael, Benito, and Carlos — I can only say thank you, truly. You’ve been the best team I could have had, both personally and, above all, professionally. What we’ve lived through together over all these years is, without a doubt, unforgettable.

That’s how I feel, and I hope you feel the same. Thank you so much for everything. For so many years.

To my family — my uncles, my godmother, and godfather — who cared for me since I was little and did everything possible to make me happy. You know how important you’ve been, and still are, in my life. I’ll never be able to thank you enough. Thank you so much.

To my cousins — who are around here. I don’t have much to thank you for, honestly. You push me to my limits — in other ways. But well, thanks for all the good times we’ve shared, even if you can be difficult sometimes. Thank you so much.

To my two grandmothers, who are 94 and 92 years old, I’m incredibly lucky to still have here with me today. I spent much of my childhood with them. And to my grandfathers — wherever they are — I thank them for everything they did for me, and I miss them.

Toni — you’re the reason I’m here. Thank you for dedicating a huge part of your life to being with me — coaching, talking, tricking me, making me suffer, making me laugh, and also pushing me to the limit. What we lived through wasn’t always easy, but without a doubt, it was all worth it.

Thank you for the way we are. None of us are very expressive with feelings, but I want you to know that my gratitude for everything you sacrificed for me is infinite. You have been, without any doubt, the best coach I ever could have had. Thank you a thousand times.

Mery, you’re my best life companion. Back in 2005, we could never have imagined being here, 20 years later — as a family. You’ve always been by my side, supporting me from a position that hasn’t always been easy. I hope I can make you as happy as you’ve made me.

You and I know this past year and a half hasn’t been easy, but thanks to your understanding, your support, and the energy and joy our son gives us every day, everything has been much less difficult. A thousand thanks.

Dad, Mom, Maribel — you’ve been my greatest inspiration and the pillars of my life. Thank you for always treating me like a son, a brother — not like a successful tennis player. Thank you for all the examples and values of effort, respect, and education that you’ve instilled in me every single day. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me everything, in every sense.

I’ll never be able to repay you. It’s impossible — what you’ve done and still do for me. I love you.

To finish, you have given me emotions. Moments I could have never imagined. You can’t imagine how fulfilling it is to feel loved in the place that means the most to you.

You gave me the chance to receive the Olympic torch from Zinedine Zidane.

You gave me a beautiful statue here at Roland-Garros.

You made me feel like just another Frenchman.

I may no longer be able to play in front of you, but my heart and my memories will always remain here.

A thousand thanks for everything you made me feel. Thank you all. Thank you.