Not sure if you’ve noticed, but since Rafael Nadal’s last professional match at the Davis Cup in Malaga, the official Roland Garros account on social medias has posted almost every day about our champ.
Below, you can see only photos with the photographer’s comments, but if you scroll down through their social media, you will find many more photos and videos of Rafa. Their social media team knows what followers like, no?
A silhouette of this raging bull reflecting the light, his timeless little skip, which he always does at the same time and in the same way. A shadow like an icon, a few seconds before dazzling in the spotlight.
Pauline Ballet
This photo of Rafa is emblematic: it’s from 2005 during his first Roland-Garros final against Mariano Puerta. I like his look, which was of the time, as well as the combativeness you can already see emanating from this iconic figure!
Corinne Dubreuil
I was incredibly lucky to be able to follow Nadal at his last Olympic Games in Paris. He teamed up with Alcaraz in doubles, forming a hugely anticipated and spectacular pairing. For me, the two of them embody the past and future of Spanish tennis: Rafa, having one last hurrah at his ‘spiritual home’ of Roland-Garros, and Alcaraz, ready to take up the mantle. The master and the apprentice.
Marine Andrieux
I chose this photo from Roland-Garros 2022. I was in the pit on Phillipe-Chatrier (where many photographers flock to as soon as Nadal is on the court). I took this shot as he returned to the back of the court after a rally. He looks like a superhero emerging from the shadows: that’s why I particularly like this photo. The headband, the serious look and the way the light hits his shirt! It’s a bit of a nod to the comic book fan I was as a kid, looking starry-eyed at the superheroes. In my job as a sports photographer, I can find that magic, and particularly so with this photo of Rafa!
Loïc Wacziak
Rafa and Paris was a very beautiful story of love and tennis. I’m sad that I can’t photograph him as a player anymore. If I had to take one image away with me of him, it would be that of a guy who was too nice, who apologized for almost bumping into me (after I’d come out of nowhere) as he came down the stairs to the Roland-Garros locker rooms! Muchas gracias por todo Rafa.
Nicolas Gouhier
Number ten! A spreadeagled Rafael Nadal celebrates winning his tenth title at Roland-Garros.
Julien Crosnier
Don’t worry, we won’t ask you to pick a favorite photo. Each picture of Rafa at Roland Garros is pure joy and brings back special memories.
Christophe Guibbaud
I like this photo because it reveals something else about Nadal. It’s not just the heroic, force-of-nature Rafa we all know. I can almost see sensitivity and fragility in it. The shot also conveys a sense of proximity with the player, which is always impressive.
Émilie Hautier
Don’t worry, we won’t ask you to pick a favorite photo. Each photo of Rafa at Roland Garros is pure joy and brings back special memories.
Seems like they want to correct mistakes because Rafa deserved better farewall in Paris.
And i respect them for that
These are so iconic and beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us.