'This will be a very special': Novak Djokovic confirms 'Big Four' reunion to pay Rafael Nadal tribute at French Open

Serbia’s legendary tennis star Novak Djokovic has confirmed that all the other members of the famous ‘Big Four’ will be in attendance during the tribute for Spain’s Rafael Nadal on Sunday. The 38-year-old, who retired from professional tennis last year after struggling with fitness concerns, is set to be honoured with a special tribute on the first day of the French Open 2025.

Nadal, who is also regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category, is also known as the ‘King of Clay’ after winning 14 Roland Garros titles in his career, the most by any player in the competition's history. Interestingly, Nadal’s last major title also came while playing in Paris in 2022, where he defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud in the final in straight sets.

Djokovic, who is the only player in the history of men’s tennis in the singles category in the Open era to lift more major titles than Nadal, while speaking to the media after winning his 100th ATP title in Geneva on Saturday, confirmed that he along with the likes of former world number one Roger Federer and three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray will be in the attendance for the glowing tribute to one of the all time greats in the game. The Belgrade-born star stated that it will be a ‘very emotional moment’ for everyone.

"This will be a very special, very emotional moment for everyone,” he said. “With Roger [Federer] and Andy [Murray], we'll be there for the ceremony. It will be a beautiful moment. It was hard to stay motivated without him. Honestly, I didn't think it would be like this. A part of me left with him, and it has been a challenge to find my motivation again. Fortunately, there are other things that inspire me. But after six months, I think I can say it's going better."