In a stunning turn of events at Roland Garros, fourteen-time champion Rafael Nadal was defeated in straight sets by Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the first round of the French Open on Monday. The 27-year-old Zverev triumphed over the Spanish legend with a score of 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3, potentially signaling the end of Nadal’s illustrious Grand Slam journey in Paris.
“To be honest, I don’t know what to say. First of all, thank you, Rafa, from all of the tennis world. It’s such a great honor,” Zverev expressed during his post-match interview. “I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood, and I was lucky enough to play him when I became a professional. I was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court. Today is not my moment; it’s Rafa’s moment, so thank you.”
With this victory, Zverev becomes only the third player to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros, joining the elite ranks of Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Robin Soderling of Sweden. The match was a testament to Zverev’s rising prowess and the shifting dynamics in men’s tennis.
Nadal, 37, reflected on his performance and future: “Of course, I’m disappointed with losing, but in terms of how my body feels, I’m happy that I finished healthy. I had a tough battle out there, and I was ready for a little bit more,” he noted.
He added thoughtfully, “So that’s it. Accept the moment. If it’s the last time that I played here, I am at peace with myself. I tried everything to be ready for this tournament for almost 20 years. The last two years, I have been working and going through probably the toughest process in my tennis career with the dream to come back here. At least I did.”
Nadal’s exit marks a significant moment in the tennis world, as fans and players alike reflect on his unparalleled achievements on clay courts. His legacy at the French Open is etched in history, and his influence on the sport remains indelible.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
