Rafael Nadal faced an early exit from the French Open, losing in the first round to Alexander Zverev. The tennis legend, known as the ‘King of Clay’ for his 14 titles in Paris, struggled in a 3-6, 6-7, 3-6 defeat.
Nadal’s Emotional Farewell
Nadal, who missed last year’s French Open due to injury, hinted that 2024 might be his final year on the court ahead of retirement. Following the defeat, he appeared emotional as the crowd applauded his enduring legacy.
“It’s difficult for me to talk,” Nadal said. “I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time that I’m going to be here in front of all of you, honestly. If it’s the last time, I enjoyed it. The crowd has been amazing during the whole week of preparation. The feelings I have today are difficult to describe, but it’s so special to feel the love of the people the way I felt in the place I love the most.”
Zverev, showing respect to the tennis icon, kept his post-match comments brief: “Today is not my moment, it is Rafa’s moment. I’m not going to speak much.” Nadal congratulated Zverev on his victory and wished him well for the rest of the tournament. Nadal said “2022 was a super tough moment for you, so you deserve many congratulations and all the best,” Nadal added. Reflecting on his own struggles, he said, “I have been going through a very tough two years in terms of injuries. I went through this process with the dream of being back here at Roland Garros.”
Future Uncertain for Nadal
Despite the loss, Nadal remains uncertain about his future in tennis. “It’s probably a big percentage that I will not be back playing here at Roland Garros, but I can’t say 100 per cent. I enjoy playing here a lot. The body is feeling a little bit better now than two months ago,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Nadal expressed hope for another chance to play at the Olympics. “I hope to be back on this court for the Olympics. That motivates me. The amount of feelings that I have on this amazing court during all my tennis career is just unbelievable.”
A Storied Career at Roland Garros
Nadal’s dominance at the French Open began with his first title in 2005. He became the first and only player to win five successive titles from 2010 to 2014 and secured his legendary status with a total of 14 titles, the last of which came in 2022.
Reflecting on his journey, Nadal said, “All the memories every single year have been different but not less special. The support of all my people there, family, team, friends, everybody who helped me in some moment of my life, I can’t thank enough all of them.”
Nadal missed the Australian Open at the start of the year due to a muscle problem. With retirement looming, he is set to compete in Wimbledon in July, a tournament he has won twice, and the US Open in August, marking potentially his final Grand Slam appearances.
“Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart and I really hope to see you again,” Nadal concluded, leaving fans to speculate about his future in tennis.
