"The day I saw Nadal cry, my voice wouldn't come out": Marc Maury's moving account at Roland-Garros

Marc Maury, the famous announcer of the Roland-Garros tournament, looks back on one of the most emotional moments of his career: the tribute paid to Rafael Nadal.

AFP

Arthur Millot

le 02/12/2025 à 11h19

2 min to read

Nadal

Roland-Garros, a land of legends, has seen many historic moments, but none have marked Marc Maury as much as the tribute paid to Rafael Nadal.

The man who dominated the tournament 14 times did not just write history with his victories: he deeply touched everyone around him.

And Marc Maury, famous for introducing the Spaniard at each court entrance, recounts with emotion that day when the legend let his tears flow freely... and when his words got stuck in his throat.

The unique bond between Maury and Nadal

The first meeting between Marc Maury and Rafael Nadal dates back to 2003, in Monaco. Maury remembers: "He told me: 'No, not the interview in English, I can't.' I tried in Spanish, but my Spanish was bad. Yet, Rafa told me: 'I will do more interviews with you in the future.'"

The tribute that will remain etched in memory

Between his 14 titles at Roland-Garros, Nadal has made his opponents tremble and moved the audience. But behind the power of his shots, there is a deeply human man.

Maury recounts: "During the tribute in 2024, Rafa was crying, but he didn't want to cry. For me, it was very difficult... my voice wouldn't come out. Every time I want to talk about Rafa, these memories come back, in my throat... it was very difficult. But we must still pay tribute to Rafa."

Rafael Nadal will therefore remain in the annals for his sporting feats, but also for his humanity.