World no. 1 Jannik Sinner took a moment after his victory to honor the man who defined that court for two decades – Rafael Nadal. Sinner embraced an on-court interview with Alex Corretja.
They walked over to Rafael Nadal’s newly unveiled commemorative plaque that contains the legends footprint and the magical number of 14. Jannik made a simple but moving gesture.
The world’s best star bent down and gently cleaned the plaque, a sign of respect for the 14-time Roland Garros winner who bid farewell to Paris just a day earlier.
Then, Sinner spoke from his heart. The Italian highlighted Rafa’s greatness as a player and a person who remained unchanged by success. Mentioning the plaque, Jannik admitted it was the least the organizers could do to honor Nadal’s achievements.
World no. 1 finished by making Nadal a role model for the entire Tour. It was a passing-of-the-torch moment, with one generation honoring the greatness of another.
Nadal’s incredible legacy lives on clay and in the hearts of those who walk the same path toward tennis glory. For Jannik, that path includes deep admiration and humility toward the Roland Garros greatest competitor.
Jannik Sinner had been lucky to train many times with Nadal while the Spaniard was active, including a week of training in Adelaide in January 2021. They met three times in the official match, with Rafa Nadal winning them all.
“What can I say about Rafa? We all know him as a player, but he is also a great person who remained unchanged by success. This plaque is the least this court can do for him. He has been a role model for all of us,” Jannik Sinner stated.