Rafael Nadal suffered a first-round exit at the ongoing Roland Garros 2024 after losing to Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(5) and 6-3 on Monday.
The Spaniard lost in the first round of the French Open for the first time in his illustrious career. He came close to winning the second set after losing the first but Zverev’s resistance during tie-break made it impossible for the 22-time Grand Slam winner to get back in the game.
Zverev continued his dominance and ended Nadal’s journey in his favourite tournament, which he dominated for almost 19 years.
Nadal won the French Open 14 times, which is the most by any player in the tournament’s history. The closest to him in the Open Era is Sweden’s Bjorn Borg who won the title six times.
The Spaniard’s impeccable record at Clay makes him as widely the greatest player of Clay's season as in 116 matches he played at Roland Garros, he only lost four times, which includes Monday’s defeat.
Opening up after his heart-breaking defeat, Nadal admitted that it is difficult for him to talk and to see him getting knocked out of the tournament he dominated like no other.
“I am not 100% sure, but if it’s the last time, I enjoy it, no? The crowd have been amazing during the whole week of preparations and today, the feelings that I have today are difficult to describe in words, but for me so special to feel the love of the people the way that I felt in the place that I love the most.” Nadal said.
Nadal is likely to call time on his career as he has repeatedly said that he will retire during the 2024 season. If that happens, Nadal has already played his last game at the French Open. However, the Spaniard refused to comment on whether he will be hanging his boots or not.
“I have been going through a tough moment, so many injuries but I went through it to get back here. I had my chances but it was not enough against a great player. There is a big chance I won’t be back but I can’t say 100%. My body is feeling better than two months ago. Maybe in two months, I say it is enough but I don’t feel it yet. I hope to be back on this court for the Olympics,” he added.
“I have amazing feelings on this court, I never dreamed as a kid I would be here at 28. Sorry, 38. I would love to be 28! All the memories have been different, so special. Support has been unforgettable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't know if it's gonna be my last time here, to be honest. I'm not 100 sure.”
