00:00It was an emotional farewell to the King of Clay.
00:03On Sunday, Roland Garros paid tribute to its greatest champion, Rafael Nadal,
00:08in a moving ceremony on the central court that he once made his own.
00:13Retired since last November, the record 14-time French Open winner
00:17fought back tears as thousands of fans wearing orange T-shirts that said,
00:22Thank you, Rafa, gave him a standing ovation.
00:25Later, in a rare and historic reunion, tennis legends Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer
00:33joined him, this time in celebration, not in competition.
00:38In a tearful speech, Nadal thanked his long-time coach and uncle, Tony Nadal, his wife,
00:43as well as other loved ones that were present, reflecting the family values that have always defined him.
00:50The tribute ended with lasting symbols of his legacy, a special trophy and a surprise plaque on center court,
00:59engraved with his 14 titles and his shoes' footprint.
01:04A permanent reminder of a champion who left his mark quite literally on the clay that he ruled.
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