Photo Credit: Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes
In what could mark the end of an illustrious career at the French Open, Rafael Nadal, a 14-time champion and a legend of Roland Garros, was eliminated in the first round by the No. 4 seed, Alexander Zverev. The match, which lasted three hours and five minutes, ended with Zverev securing a straight-sets victory, 6-3, 7-6(7-5), 6-3, possibly concluding one of the greatest stories in tennis history.
Nadal, affectionately known as the "King of Clay", received a standing ovation from the crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier. His record at the French Open now stands at an extraordinary 112 wins to just 4 losses. Among the spectators were some of tennis' biggest stars and Nada's rivals, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Świątek, a self-confessed Nadal superfan, all present to witness this historical moment.
"It's difficult for me to talk", Nadal said in his on-court interview after the match. "I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time I’m going to be here in front of you. I am not 100% sure, but if it is the last time, I enjoyed it".
Reflecting on his match against Zverev, Nadal acknowledged the challenge, "The first round wasn’t the ideal one. I was competitive, I had my chances, but it wasn’t enough against a great player like Sascha. For me, it’s difficult to say what’s going on in the future. It’s a big percentage that I will not be back here playing at Roland Garros, but I’ve enjoyed it a lot".
Nadal, who has been struggling with injuries since the 2023 Australian Open, expressed hope for recovery, mentioning his aspiration to return to Court Philippe-Chatrier for the Summer Olympics. He shared, "I’m traveling with the family, having fun, and the body is
feeling a little bit better than two months ago".
According to Eurosport pundit and two-time Roland Garros finalist Àlex Corretja, Nadal had mentioned just last week that his body was pain-free for the first time in two years, giving him a glimmer of hope for a potential return next season.
Despite his physical challenges, Nadal's performance against Zverev showcased his relentless spirit. At the start of the third set, he delivered a few trademark forehand winners that ignited the crowd. Even when he found an early break in the second set, the momentum couldn't be maintained as Zverev fought back to claim the set in a tie break.
In the third set, Nadal demonstrated his resilience, enduring a grueling 12-minute service game at 2-2 and fending off four break points. However, Zverev eventually broke Nadal's serve, and despite Nadal's tenacity and continuous efforts, Zverev proved too strong.
As the match concluded, Nadal graciously applauded one of Zverev's shots that zipped past him. Reflecting on his journey, Nadal remarked with a smile, "I never could imagine when I was a kid that I would be here at almost 38 years of age. It’s been a beautiful
process. All the memories have been different, but nonetheless special. The feelings that you make me feel here are unforgettable. Thanks very much from the bottom of my heart".
Whether this truly is the final chapter of Nadal's French Open saga or not, his legacy at Roland Garros remains unmatched, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of tennis.
