“It means that I have a positive legacy here,” Rafael Nadal reacts to Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz attending his match at Roland Garros 

Nadal's early loss brings his record in French Open to 112-4.

“It means that I have a positive legacy here,” Rafael Nadal reacts to Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz attending his match at Roland Garros 

Rafael Nadal reacts to top tennis stars attending his first round match (Via Imago)

The French Open began with a bang as two of the top players battled it out in the first round. Rafael Nadal, who was banking on a protective ranking, was placed against Alexander Zverev in the draw. 

The whole of the tennis world was tuned in to watch the match. There were many possible outcomes, but for the first time, Nadal was the underdog at the French Open and was fighting his luck to stay in the tournament. Along with the fans, even a good line-up of stars made their presence felt in the match. 

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The main highlight was Novak Djokovic, who sat in the same box as Carlos Alcaraz. They were not the only tennis stars present in the arena. WTA No.1 Iga Swiatek was also in one of the first rows and so was Caroline Garcia. Swiatek was fresh off her first-round win and still made it to watch the Spaniard play. 

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After the match, Nadal acknowledged the people, who made it to watch his match and said that he is delighted to have had a positive legacy to attract such a crowd. 

Happy that it happens, it means that I have a positive legacy here.
Rafael Nadal said in the post-match interview

Although many Rafa admirers were left disappointed by the result, they were still proud of the legacy that Nadal left behind and will surely hope for him to return next year. However, the Spaniard himself is unsure about his return but leaves a small scope of a return. 

Rafael Nadal is unsure about his retirement from the French Open just yet

For the first time Spanish ace Rafael Nadal was knocked out of the French Open in the first round. He was up against Alexander Zverev, who did not take it easy and finished the game in a very tough three sets. 

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal (Via Imago)

After the game, Zverev cut his winning speech to give Nadal the spotlight. The whole stadium wanted the Spaniard to speak, and indeed Nadal did. He gave a verdict about his retirement from the French Open and continues to leave the fans in a confused state. 

I don't know if this is the last time I will be here, I am not 100% sure but if it is then I wanted to enjoy it. 
Rafael Nadal said in the post-match interview

However, for now, the Spaniard is out of the tournament and would hope to train well and prepare for the next season. With the Paris Olympics coming up, Nadal will surely mark his calendar and hope to be even more prepared to help his country bag some gold. 

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