sports

Fans sad at Nadal's elimination from French Open, possibly his 'last dance'

Spectators at Roland Garros were saddened as 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal was ousted in the first round on Monday, marking his earliest exit in the tournament. Nadal lost to fourth-seed Alexander Zverev in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3, leaving fans wondering if the Spaniard will return to the Grand Slam court he has dominated for two decades. The 22-time major champion, who first won the French Open in 2005 and last lifted the 'Musketeers' Cup' in 2022, had hinted that this year might be his final one on the tour. Despite flashes of his top form, the 37-year-old ultimately went down fighting. Nadal expressed hope to return to Roland Garros for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

first published: May 28, 2024 02:28 pm