Rafael Nadal has owned the clay court docket at Roland Garros all through his profession, however in what might be his ultimate look within the French Open, he misplaced within the first round in straight sets.
Alexander Zverev, the No. 4-ranked males’s tennis participant on the earth, took down the Spanish legend that’s Nadal, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3, to maneuver on to the second spherical.
Nadal, 37, was not sure if he could be competing within the event final month as he’s repeatedly battled accidents whereas attempting to increase his illustrious profession, which incorporates 22 Grand Slam titles. He’s received the French Open 14 occasions, proudly owning an impressive profession report of 112-4 after the loss to Zverev.
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Rafael Nadal waves to the group after his defeat by Alexander Zverev within the males’s singles first-round match on the French Open at Roland Garros on Could 27, 2024, in Paris. (Clive Mason/Getty Pictures)
Zverev is simply the third tennis participant ever to beat Nadal at Roland Garros, as Novak Djokovic did it twice – each within the ultimate in 2015 and 2021 – and Robin Söderling in 2009 within the fourth spherical.
The feelings for Nadal have been understandably excessive after the match, as the group roared regardless of his fast exit.
RAFAEL NADAL, 37, DISMISSES NOTION THIS IS HIS LAST FRENCH OPEN: ‘DON’T ASSUME THAT’
“It’s tough for me to speak,” he mentioned after saluting the group in French. “I don’t know if it’s going to be the final time that I’m going to be right here in entrance of all of you. Truthfully, I’m not 100% certain. But when it’s the final time, I loved it.
“The gang has been wonderful throughout the entire week of preparation and as we speak. Yeah, the sentiments I’ve as we speak are tough to explain in phrases. However, for me, it’s so particular to really feel the love from folks within the place I really like probably the most.”
Whereas Zverev dominated the match as a complete, there have been classic “Rafa” moments all through, together with an unbelievable forehand on the run after a Zverev overhand that ought to’ve resulted in some extent. As a substitute, Nadal shot it again down the road and the group roared with the lefty having an opportunity to return again because the third set was tied 3-3 on the time.
Zverev was a gentleman after the match as effectively, giving Nadal his flowers as he defined the feelings for him going into the match.
Rafael Nadal performs a backhand in opposition to Alexander Zverev on the French Open at Roland Garros on Could 27, 2024, in Paris. (Mateo Villalba/Getty Pictures)
“To be trustworthy, I don’t know what to say,” the 27-year-old Zverev started. “To start with, thanks, Rafa, from the entire tennis world. It’s such an awesome honor. I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood, and I used to be fortunate sufficient to play Rafa once I grew to become skilled. I used to be fortunate sufficient to play him two occasions on this stunning court docket.
“At this time isn’t my second – it’s Rafa’s second.”
Nadal has battled “physique limitations,” as he known as it, as a consequence of knee, ft, ankle, stomach and wrist issues. They induced him to overlook 11 main tournaments all through his profession. He additionally missed most of 2023 and the start of 2024 with a hip harm.
Rafael Nadal acknowledges the group after his loss to Alexander Zverev on the French Open on Could 27, 2024. (Clive Mason/Getty Pictures)
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However Nadal made it some extent to wish to say goodbye to tennis on the court docket, and if that is his ultimate French Open, he fulfilled that purpose on Monday.
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