“If it’s the last time, I enjoyed it,” Rafael Nadal after bowing out to Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros

Rafa is unsure of his return, as he thanked French Open audience for making his probable last match enjoyable.

“If it’s the last time, I enjoyed it,” Rafael Nadal after bowing out to Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

The skies cried on Monday as Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, bid adieu to the Philippe Chatrier Stadium for what may be the last time in his unbelievable career. 

Nadal went down in the first round to a worthy opponent in Alexander Zverev, who spoke little after the match, allowing the Spanish legend to soak in all the love from the fans. Rafa addressed the fans in a bittersweet speech after the exhilarating match, mentioning that he is not sure if he’ll ever play the French Open again. 

The amount of energy.. it’s difficult for me to talk. I don’t know if it’s gonna be the last time here in front of all of you. I’m not sure.
Rafael Nadal said

In his career that has spanned over two decades, Nadal has won 14 titles at Roland Garros, making it the most successful tournament any player has ever had, across all formats of the game. The unbelievable run came to an end today after a match that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Nadal, too, enjoyed the match and all the moments that came with it, as he mentioned when he thanked the fans for all the support he has received throughout the years.

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If it’s the last time I enjoyed it. The crowd was amazing during the whole week of preparation.Today the feelings I have are difficult to describe in words. For me it so special to feel the love of the people in the place I love the most.
Rafael Nadal added

His absence in the French Open draws in coming years will be an irreplaceable void, but fans are glad they could enjoy his passion for tennis in his own kingdom at least one last time. 

Rafael Nadal’s last French Open match was a display of sportsmanship and class

Millions around the world witnessed just the fourth loss Nadal has ever taken in the French Open in his career. It could not have been a better send-off for him, as he played yet another emotional match against Alexander Zverev. 

Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal
Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

The two giants of the game held nothing back in their tennis but were prime examples of sportsmanship and humility throughout the afternoon. Nadal overruled calls from the line umpires, which would’ve otherwise awarded him the points, handing them to Zverev instead. Zverev, too, was very muted with his celebrations as he was aware that he was playing a man who has won the title 14 times and was probably playing his last ever match in the tournament. 

After the match, Zverev took no time with the mic, handing it over to Nadal to address his fans, as he said it was Rafa’s day and he did not want to impede on it.

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