Rafael Nadal was knocked out of the French Open by Alexander Zverev in what could be his last match at the tournament.
The 14-time tournament champion lost 6-3, 7-6, (7-5), 6-3 to the German and was not at the level fans have been so used to seeing over the years.
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Roland Garros was buzzing for the return of the 37-year-old after he missed last year’s Open through injury and he was welcomed onto the court with a stampede of applause and appreciation.
But the 22-time Grand Slam champion was comfortably beaten by the German, who is in hot form and currently occupies the No.4 ranking.
Paris has been like a second home for the Spaniard. He has only lost four times in 116 singles matches on the clay in France and he did still show glimpses of the legendary player that he was in his prime.
He was humble in defeat and admitted he does not know if that was his last match ever in the French Open.
If that’s the last time we see Rafa Nadal playing at the French Open, it’s been some ride ❤️#BBCTennis #rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/m3F96NQl1D
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 27, 2024
“I don’t know if it’ll be the last time I’m going to be here in front of you. If it is I have enjoyed it,” he said.
“The crowd have been amazing the whole week. For me it’s so special to feel the love of the people the way I have felt.
“The first round wasn’t the ideal one, but I was competitive, I had my chance.
“But it was not enough against a great player.”
There were plenty of Spanish flags flying in the crowd and around the courts during the day as fans waited to see the king.
He arrived unseeded at the tournament for the first time and having barely played over the last 12 months.
Zverev was at the top of his game as he looks to win his first major title and will be encouraged by his performance against Nadal.
Time will tell whether Nadal still has the quality to compete amongst the best of his peers but it is very possible that the iconic tennis athlete is another step closer to retiring.
