‘Humble’ Alexander Zverev allows Rafael Nadal to take center stage in a heart-touching moment after ending his iconic French Open career

Rafael Nadal suffers his first ever first round defeat at the French Open.

‘Humble’ Alexander Zverev allows Rafael Nadal to take center stage in a heart-touching moment after ending his iconic French Open career

Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Emotional scenes took place at the 2024 Roland Garros as the 14-time tournament champion Rafael Nadal walked out for a possibly last time here. He was up against Alexander Zverev in one of the biggest first-round matches of the season.

The Philippe-Chatrier court was houseful as the Spanish crowd filled in numbers to watch Nadal play. Even tennis superstars like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz made an attendance. 

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The match started in an anti-climactic fashion as Zverev stormed away with early breaks and took the first set 6-3. However, from then on, Nadal pushed back with every inch of grit and forced a second-set tie-break. However, Zverev was just physically better and beat Nadal to the punch. 

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In the end, it was Zverev who managed to close out the match 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 and gave Nadal his first-ever first-round exit at Roland Garros. During the post-match interview, the German humbly stepped away from the spotlight to give the crowd what they wanted, a speech from Nadal. 

To be honest I don’t know what to say. Thank you Rafa from all of the tennis world. It’s such a great honor. I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood. I was lucky enough to play him as a pro. Lucky enough to play him twice on this beautiful court. I don’t know what to say. Today isn’t my moment. It’s Rafa’s. I’m not gonna speak much. Thank you.
Alexander Zverev said during the post-match interview

Even the Spaniard is unsure about his retirement from Roland Garros. But thanks to the crowd, and extremely proud of the match, even if it’s the last one. Fans are unsure if they will see Nadal again, but the Spaniard will return soon for the Paris Olympics. 

Even the Spaniard is unsure about his retirement from Roland Garros (as mentioned by him in his post-game speech), but he is extremely proud of the match, even if it turns out to be his last one. Fans are uncertain if they will see Nadal again at the French Open, but he plans to return soon for the Paris Olympics.

Rafael Nadal possibly draws curtains to his French Open career in front of a star-studded crowd

One of the highly anticipated first-round matches between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev ended emotionally as every Spanish fan was in tears after Nadal lost to the German in straight sets. Although Nadal is still not 100% physically, he gave his best to compete against one of the top players in the game, all in front of an amazing crowd.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

Along with his family, even other tennis players were present in the match. His rival Novak Djokovic was present along with Carlos Alcaraz, but the list does not end here. Even the WTA No.1 Iga Swiatek was present, as was Caroline Garcia. 

They were not about to miss a great match, but soon all eyes will be on them to perform in the next rounds. Djokovic has yet to play his first match, while the rest have already advanced to the second round. Nadal waved goodbye to the crowd, leaving a cryptic message that made fans wonder if it was his last time on court.

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