(May 27, 2024) Whether or not this was his last appearance playing the French Open or not, 14-time Roland Garros Rafael Nadal is still unsure, but the 22-time major champion lost in the first round in Paris on Monday 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 to No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev in a match lasting about three hours.
Nadal, almost 38, was coming into the tournament ranked at 275th in the world having been injured on and off for most of the past two years.
“If it’s the last time that I played here,” Nadal said, “I am at peace with myself.”
“I am not 100 per cent sure, but if it’s the last time, I enjoyed it. The crowd has been amazing during the whole week of preparation and the feelings that I have today are difficult to describe in words. But for me it’s so special to feel the love of the people the way that I felt in the place that I love the most.”
Nadal is hoping that he’ll return to Paris to participate the Olympics which take place beginning in late July.
“The amount of feelings I had on this amazing court during my entire tennis career is amazing,” Nadal said after the loss.”
Zverev was short and sweet in his post-match on court remarks: “To be honest I don’t know what to say. First of all, thank you Rafa from all of the tennis world. It’s such a great honor.”
“I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood and I was lucky enough to play Rafa when I became a professional. I was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court. I don’t know what to say. Today is not my moment, it’s Rafa’s moment, so thank you.”
Nadal’s loss marks just his fourth loss at Roland Garros.
Zverev, 27, advances to second round.
More to follow….
