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Clay king bows out
Updated On: 28 May, 2024 07:47 AM IST | Paris | AFP
Fourteen-time champion Rafael Nadal suffers maiden opening-round defeat at Roland Garros; goes down 3-6, 6-7, 3-6 to Germany’s Alexander Zverev
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Spain’s Rafael Nadal during his first-round defeat to Germany’s Alexander Zverev at the French Open in Paris yesterday. Pic/AFP
Rafael Nadal’s record-breaking French Open career came to its likely end on Monday when the 14-time champion slumped to a demoralising first-round defeat to Alexander Zverev. Nadal, who turns 38 on June 3, went down 3-6, 6-7 (5-7), 3-6 to World No. 4 Zverev, suffering only his fourth loss in 116 matches at Roland Garros since his 2005 title-winning debut.
It was the first time he had been defeated in Paris in the opening round and will again lead to questions over his long-term future in the sport. “I don’t know if this is the last time I’ll be here, I’m not 100% sure. but if it is then I wanted to enjoy it. The feelings today are difficult to describe in words,” said Nadal. Nadal was broken to love in his opening service game and left to regret his inability to convert two break points in the fourth game. He saved two set points in the ninth game but surrendered the opener after 50 minutes when he hit a loose forehand into the net.
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