When Rafael Nadal stepped onto Court Philippe-Chatrier, he was greeted with an overwhelming ovation from 15,000 fans, all eager to witness what was likely his final appearance at Roland Garros. The seats behind the players’ boxes were filled with current stars, including Carlos Alcaraz, long-time rival Novak Djokovic, and women’s number one and three-time champion Iga Swiatek. Among the spectators were Rafa’s wife, Maria Francisca Perello, their baby son Rafael Jr., his mother Ana Maria Parera, father Sebastian, uncles Toni and Miguel Angel, as well as other members of his team.