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Rafael Nadal, one of the most iconic athletes of all time, has forged a special relationship with the clay court of Paris. His dominance on the Philippe Chatrier court at Roland Garros has not only given him 14 titles, but has earned him an unprecedented tribute: being the only tennis player in history to own an exact replica of the trophy of the most prestigious tournament on clay.
A unique legacy in Paris
An unbreakable idyll with Roland Garros
Nadal is not only remembered as the best Spanish player in history, but also as the greatest exponent of tennis on clay. Since his debut in Paris in 2005, the Mallorcan has accumulated 112 victories against only 4 defeats in 19 appearances, a record almost impossible to match. Of his 14 titles, his tenth victory stands out in 2017, when he defeated Stan Wawrinka with a resounding score of 6-2, 6-3 and 6-1, a milestone that made him the first player to receive an exact replica of the trophy. of the Musketeers.
The privilege of the original trophy
Traditionally, Roland Garros winners receive a miniature replica of the trophy. However, in honor of Nadal’s tenth championship, the organization broke tradition and awarded him a life-size copy, a gesture that symbolizes his undisputed reign in Paris.
— Alejandro Sanchez (@SopaDecuis) November 17, 2024
Numbers that defy history
Absolute mastery over clay
Nadal’s supremacy at Roland Garros is unmatched. With 14 titles under his belt, he far surpasses second place, Max Decugis, who achieved eight championships in a very different era. Even legends like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, considered among the best in history, have only been able to win this Grand Slam on one and three occasions, respectively, due to Nadal’s ironclad dominance in the Philippe Chatrier.
A statistic that says it all
The Spaniard has participated in 19 editions of the tournament, of which he has only lost five. In 2016, an injury forced him to retire before facing Marcel Granollers, which does not count as an official loss. These numbers consolidate Nadal as the absolute king of Roland Garros and as an unsurpassable benchmark in world tennis.
— Alejandro Sanchez (@SopaDecuis) November 17, 2024
The farewell of a giant
With the Davis Cup in Malaga as his last challenge before retirement, Nadal closes a golden chapter in the history of tennis. His career will not only be remembered for the titles, but for his competitive nature, his resistance in the face of adversity and his impact on sport. “Thank you all so much,” he said recently, marking the end of an era that will inspire future generations.
A deserved tribute
Rafael Nadal has not only left an indelible mark on Philippe Chatrier, he has redefined what it means to be a champion. His legacy at Roland Garros is a testament to perseverance, talent and love for the sport. With a unique trophy in his possession, Nadal says goodbye as an eternal icon of tennis, a player who transcended the courts to become a legend.
