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2w ago

Resale of 'Merci Rafa' T-Shirts After French Open Tribute Draws Criticism

The French Tennis Federation president expressed disappointment as fans resell Nadal tribute shirts for up to €500.

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - May 25, 2025 Former tennis player and record French Open winner Rafael Nadal during a tribute REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - May 25, 2025 Spectators in the stands make a heart with special "Merci Rafa' tees provided for a tribute to former tennis player and record French Open winner Rafael Nadal REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
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Organisers handed out free T-shirts to fans for Rafael Nadal's ceremony at Roland Garros

Overview

  • Rafael Nadal was honored at the French Open on May 25, 2025, with a tribute ceremony featuring 'Merci Rafa' T-shirts distributed to fans.
  • The T-shirts, worn to create a mosaic spelling 'RG14' in recognition of Nadal's 14 French Open titles, quickly appeared on resale platforms.
  • Some shirts were listed for as much as €500, sparking backlash from fans and disappointment from French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton.
  • Moretton described the high resale prices as 'sad' and noted he was unable to obtain a T-shirt himself despite attending the ceremony.
  • Sellers justified reselling the shirts for reasons such as size issues or lack of personal use, while some received angry messages from Nadal fans.