Rafa Nadal's Roland Garros Debut: 20 Years of History

Twenty Years Since Nadal's Roland Garros Debut: A Look Back and a Tribute Paris, France – May 23, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Rafael Nadal's first match at Roland Garros. To commemorate this milestone, Spanish broadcaster RTVE aired a short video showcasing highlights from Nadal's debut against Lars Burgsmuller, a match Nadal won decisively. The video also announced a special tribute to Nadal, to be broadcast live on Teledeporte and RTVE Play later that day. The video footage shows a young Nadal, already displaying the skill and determination that would make him a legend. The commentator's voiceover describes Nadal's efficient and economical style, even commenting on his energy conservation during the match. The video also highlights the intensity of the match, particularly the second set tiebreaker, which lasted 50 minutes. The footage vividly captures the excitement of the crowd and the atmosphere in the stadium. "With physical strength and a winning spirit," the commentator states, "Nadal used all his resources to feel comfortable on Court 1." The video ends with a reminder of the tribute and a look ahead to Nadal's continued success. The tribute serves as a fitting tribute to one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a testament to the enduring legacy of Roland Garros.