Rafael Nadal has dominated the clay courts of Roland Garros throughout his career but lost in straight sets in the first round in what could have been his final appearance at the French Open.
Alexander Zverev, the world’s fourth-ranked men’s tennis player, defeated Spanish legend Nadal 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 to advance to the second round.
It was unclear whether the 37-year-old Nadal would be able to play in last month’s tournament as he continues to battle injuries while trying to extend a glittering career that includes 22 Grand Slam titles. Nadal has won the French Open 14 times and boasts an impressive record of 112-4 after his loss to Zverev.
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Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd after losing to Alexander Zverev in the first round of the men’s singles at the French Open on May 27, 2024 in Paris. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Zverev is just the third tennis player to beat Nadal at Roland Garros: Novak Djokovic beat him twice, in the 2015 and 2021 finals, and Robin Soderling beat him in the fourth round in 2009.
Emotions were understandably high against Nadal after the match, with the crowd cheering despite him leaving the court quickly.
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“It’s hard to speak,” he said after greeting the crowd in French. “I don’t know if this will be the last time I stand in front of you. To be honest, I’m not 100% sure. But even if it is the last time, it’s been fun.”
“The crowds were amazing throughout the week of preparation and again today. Yes, it’s hard to put into words the feeling I had today, but for me, it’s very special to feel the love from people in the place I love the most.”
Zverev dominated the match but had some classic “Rafa” moments here and there, including a great running forehand after a Zverev overhand that should have won the point, but Nadal hit it back down the line and with the third set tied at 3-3, the left-hander had a chance to come back, eliciting roars from the crowd.
Zverev remained a gentleman after the match, presenting Nadal with flowers while sharing his feelings about the player going into the match.
Rafael Nadal hits a backhand against Alexander Zverev during the French Open on May 27, 2024 in Paris. (Mateo Villalba/Getty Images)
“To be honest, I don’t know what to say,” the 27-year-old Zverev began. “First of all, on behalf of the tennis world, I want to thank Rafa. It’s a real honour. I’ve been watching Rafa play since I was a kid and then I had the good fortune to play against him as a professional. I was lucky enough to play against him twice on this beautiful court.”
“Today is not my moment, it’s Rafa’s moment.”
Nadal has battled what he calls “physical limitations” with knee, foot, ankle, abdominal and wrist injuries that have forced him to miss 11 major tournaments during his career, including most of 2023 and early 2024 with a hip injury.
Rafael Nadal greets the crowd after his loss to Alexander Zverev at the French Open on May 27, 2024. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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But Nadal has made it clear he wants to say goodbye to tennis on court, and if this is his last French Open, he achieved that goal on Monday.
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