'Merci Rafa' : Roland Garros Pays Tribute To 'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal

(Japan Times); Rafael Nadal was given a rousing reception as the "King of Clay" stepped onto Court Philippe Chatrier for the final time on Sunday in an "unforgettable" ceremony to celebrate his career at the French Open.

The 38-year-old, who retired from tennis last November, was serenaded by the crowd at Roland Garros, with spectators wearing different colored t-shirts to create the message "14 RG, Rafa."

Nadal dominated the French Open after winning in his debut as a teenager in 2005, lifting the trophy a record-breaking 14 times.

The Spaniard finished with a remarkable 112-4 record at the clay court Grand Slam.

Nadal's long-time rivals Novak Djokovic, fresh from winning his 100th ATP title on Saturday, Roger Federer and Andy Murray all joined him on the main Chatrier court.

The trio walked out after Nadal's speech to greet their fellow former world No. 1 to a deafening roar from the fans.

Nadal was presented with a special trophy commemorating his French Open record, with a mark of his footprint carved into the clay.