Iga Swiatek made a strong start to her quest for a fourth title, and Rafael Nadal’s historic career at the French Open came to an inevitable conclusion on Monday with his first-ever loss in the first round to Alexander Zverev. On a crowded Court Philippe Chatrier, Nadal battled world number four Zverev for extended stretches, but ultimately lost 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3, losing for just the fourth time in 116 meetings in the tournament. It was anticipated that this year’s tournament would mark the 14-time champion’s final appearance at Roland Garros, but he later stated he could not say “100%” that it would be.
“You have been amazing if this is the last time,” Nadal declared to the cheering audience gathered beneath the Chatrier roof. “It’s hard to put into words how I feel right now. It is my favourite spot on earth.
” Although Nadal, who turns 38 next week, displayed all of his signature battling skills in an intense battle, he was only able to convert two of his opponent’s eleven break points. “The first round wasn’t ideal,” he said, adding that he would almost definitely skip Wimbledon but “hoped” to return to Roland Garros later this summer for the Paris Olympics.
“It will be difficult playing on grass considering that right after Wimbledon are the Olympic Games.”
The 27-year-old erased memories of their previous encounter, in which he wheeled himself off Chatrier court following an ankle injury sustained during their 2022 French Open semifinal match.
His prize for beating Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros is a match against either David Goffin or local wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
He is only the third player to do so after Novak Djokovic and Robin Soderling.
– Zverev’s quick start – Zverev got the match off with a break to love in the first game, and he finished the opening set rather easily.
Nadal was far better than he had been in his previous match, losing to Hubert Hurkacz in the Rome second round, but he was unable to hold onto a 5-4 advantage in the second set.
