Nadal out of possible last French Open, Swiatek through
The Peninsula
Paris: Rafael Nadal s illustrious French Open career came to a likely end with his first ever defeat in the opening round by Alexander Zverev on Monda...
Paris: Rafael Nadal's illustrious French Open career came to a likely end with his first ever defeat in the opening round by Alexander Zverev on Monday, after Iga Swiatek made a winning start in her bid for a fourth title.
Nadal matched world number four Zverev for long periods on a packed Court Philippe Chatrier, but slipped to a 6-3, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 loss as he was beaten for just the fourth time in 116 matches at the tournament.
This year's event was expected to be the 14-time champion's farewell to Roland Garros, but he had since insisted he could not confirm "100 percent" it would be his last appearance.
"If it is (the last time), then you have been amazing," Nadal told an adoring crowd under the Chatrier roof.
"The feelings I have today are difficult to describe in words. It is the place I love the most."