“For me it’s just incredible,” Mats Wilander in awe of Rafael Nadal despite his defeat to Alexander Zverev in first round of 2024 Roland Garros

Wilander enjoyed Nadal's brief comeback against Zverev,

“For me it’s just incredible,” Mats Wilander in awe of Rafael Nadal despite his defeat to Alexander Zverev in first round of 2024 Roland Garros

Mats Wilander, Rafael Nadal (Images via Imago, X)

Former Swedish tennis player Mats Wilander is in awe of Rafael Nadal despite the Spaniard’s defeat to Alexander Zverev in the first-round match of the 2024 Roland Garros. Wilander said it was incredible for him to watch the 37-year-old in action and that he has still got that fighting spirit and passion.

The tennis expert claimed that Nadal made people believe that he has still the ability to turn things around. As Nadal threatened to make a comeback after losing the first two sets in his match against Zverev, everyone was at the edge of their seats.

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However, it could not happen as the German tennis player claimed the third set 6-3. Nevertheless, Nadal did everything he could and every moment of him on the clay court was memorable to the fans as well as the experts. Wilander too says he relishes the memory.

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By breaking at the start of the 3rd set, he reminded everyone who he really was: a player who always gave 100% of his potential. This is the memory I will keep of this match. He still managed to make people believe that he could turn the situation around. For me, it's just incredible. The passion is still there.
Mats Wilander said about Rafael Nadal. (H/T: We Love Tennis)

Rafael Nadal to come back to Paris?

While everyone loved watching Rafael Nadal play at the 2024 Roland Garros, the Spaniard’s fans would have wanted to see more of him. However, it could not happen which means it might be the end of an unparalleled journey for Nadal.

Rafael Nadal Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal potentially bidding farewell to Roland Garros (via Imago)

The 14-time Roland Garros champion might come back for a farewell next season but it looks almost impossible for Nadal to play again at the Grand Slam tournament. He will look to play for one more time in Paris though. The 37-year-old, after getting knocked out of the 2024 Roland Garros, said he is targeting the Olympics.

The Spanish legend hinted that he would skip Wimbledon in order to play at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Nadal said that it would not be wise and good for him to make the transition to grass and then come back to play on clay. 

For me now [it] looks difficult to make a transition to grass, then having the Olympics again on clay," said Nadal. I cannot confirm anything. I need to talk with the team and analyze facts. But I don't think it's going to be smart after all the things that happened to my body to make a big transition to a completely different surface and then come back immediately to clay.
Rafael Nadal said about his 2024 Paris Olympics participation. (H/T: BBC)

Notably, while Nadal’s participation in the singles event will completely be his call, the Spaniard has Carlos Alcaraz eagerly waiting to partner with him for the doubles event.

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