Rafael Nadal’s lifelong romance with Paris clay will be celebrated on opening Sunday when Court Philippe Chatrier stages an evening tribute described by tournament director Amélie Mauresmo as exceptional.
The ceremony features a montage of all fourteen title points, followed by a short exhibition rally between Nadal and three juniors from his academy who earned the invitation through a clay court scholarship program.
Fans attending will receive a commemorative booklet that doubles as a poster, printed on red recycled paper to mirror the surface that defined the Spaniard’s legend.
Organisers confirm that a final batch of opposite-side lower bowl seats remains on sale through the official portal, priced from ninety euros, while hospitality packages include a private museum tour of clay-smeared rackets from Nadal’s early triumphs.
French DJ Martin Solveig will perform a short set as the stadium lights dim for a drone show spelling Gracias Rafa above the Bois de Boulogne skyline.
Officials expect the tribute to finish before ten in the evening so that first-round night sessions can begin on schedule the next day, ensuring Nadal’s farewell does not disrupt competitive play.
