Rafael Nadal out of possible last French Open

Ruud into second round

May 29, 2024 00:00:00

Spain's Rafael Nadal gestures to the public as he leaves the court after losing against Germany's Alexander Zverev in their men's singles match on Court Philippe-Chatrier on day two of The French Open tennis tournament at The Roland Garros Complex in Paris on Monday — AFP

PARIS, May 28 (AFP): 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." Nadal, who turns 38 next week, showed all his trademark fighting qualities in a gripping match, but only managed to convert two of 11 break points against an inspired opponent.

"The first round wasn't ideal," he admitted, before saying he "hoped" to be back at Roland Garros later this summer for the Paris Olympics but would almost certainly skip Wimbledon.

"It will be difficult playing on grass considering that right after Wimbledon are the Olympic Games."

It was only Nadal's fifth tournament since January 2023 after suffering a hip injury and then a muscle tear, arriving in Paris a lowly 275th in the world rankings.

"It's hard to say about the future," he added. "I am travelling with my family and I am having fun. The body is feeling better than it did two months ago."

Meanwhile, Norway's Casper Ruud started his bid for a maiden French Open title, after final defeats in each of the past two years, with a comfortable win against Brazilian qualifier Felipe Meligeni Alves on Tuesday.

Ruud, who won clay-court titles in Barcelona and Geneva in the build-up to Roland Garros, cruised to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory and will next face either Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain or Monegasque qualifier Valentin Vacherot.