Rafael Nadal’s French Open affair may be over after first-round exit

Spain's Rafael Nadal plays a shot against Germany's Alexander Zverev during their first round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Monday, May 27, 2024.AP/PTI

The French Open and Rafael Nadal has been one of the great sporting love stories. Since he first played at Roland Garros in the summer of 2005, Nadal’s dominance of the red clay has been unprecedented. It’s hard to think of any sport where an individual or team has enjoyed such unrelenting success for so long.

But now, with Nadal turning 38 next Monday, that bond may have frayed to breaking point. Before Monday’s opening round loss to Alexander Zverev, the No. 4 seed from Germany, Nadal had only ever lost to two men at the French Open. Novak Djokovic had beaten him in the last eight in 2015, and the semi-final in 2021, and his earliest previous exit had been at the hands of Sweden’s Robin Söderling in the fourth round in 2009.

Four times between 2008 and 2020, he won the tournament without even losing a set. But pictures of that relentless harrier and destroyer look increasingly sepia-tinted now. The injuries have piled up in recent seasons, and the 27-year-old Zverev won with a measure of comfort.

He certainly seemed to think that Nadal’s race was run. “Thank you, Rafa, from all of the tennis world,” he said after the 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 win. “It is such a great honour. I've watched Rafa play all my childhood, and I was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court. Today is not my moment, it is Rafa's moment. I'm not going to speak much.”

Nadal spoke much more, but his words offered no clarity. He looked and sounded a lot like one of those proud, old, prizefighters who had taken on one bout too many. “It is difficult for me to talk, I don't know if it's the last time I'll be here in front of all of you,” he said. “Honestly, I am not sure. If it is, then you have been amazing. The feelings I have today are difficult to describe in words. It is the place I love the most.”

The tennis event at the Paris Olympics will also be played at Roland Garros, and Nadal spoke of that being motivation to be back later this year. But the French Open journey – long, winding and beautiful – looks to be over. “The amount of feelings I had on this court throughout my career, I didn't think I would be here almost 38 with all of the success,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “It has been a very beautiful process.

“The feelings you made me feel here are unforgettable, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I hope to see you again, but I don't know."

With that, he turned, waved and was gone done the tunnel. Court Philippe-Chatrier may not see him again.

In exclusive arrangement with RevSportz