French Open to pay tribute to clay king Rafael Nadal after end of an era

Roland Garros 2025 marks two decades since Nadal won his first title.

Rafael Nadal will be honoured at this year’s French Open (Peter Byrne/PA)

It is one of the most famous, spine-tingling introductions in sport.

“Deux mille cinq, deux mille six, deux mille sept, deux mille huit…” the roll call goes on, stadium announcer Marc Maury reeling off 14 of the last 20 years at the French Open.