Nadal defeated by Zverev in likely French Open farewell
Al Jazeera
Rafael Nadal, 22-time Grand Slam champion, lost in straight sets to Alexander Zverev in his probable last match at Roland Garros.
Rafael Nadal’s record-breaking French Open career came to its likely end when the 14-time champion slumped to a demoralising first-round defeat against Alexander Zverev.
Nadal, who turns 38 on June 3, went down 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to world number four Zverev on Monday, 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 tennis.
“I don’t know if this is the last time I will be here, I am not 100 percent sure but if it is then I wanted to enjoy it,” said Nadal.
“The feelings today are difficult to describe in words.”