In a stunning turn of events at the French Open, fourteen-time champion Rafael Nadal bowed out in the first round after a straight-sets defeat to Germany's Alexander Zverev on Monday.
Zverev, 27, triumphed over the 37-year-old Spaniard with scores of 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3, marking a significant moment in tennis history. This loss likely signifies the end of Nadal's illustrious Grand Slam journey in Paris, where he has dominated for nearly two decades.
Speaking after the match, Zverev expressed his respect for Nadal, saying, \"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.\" He reflected on his own career, mentioning how fortunate he felt to have competed against Nadal during his professional years.
Zverev’s victory places him among an elite group, becoming only the third player to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros, joining the ranks of Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Robin Soderling of Sweden.
Despite the loss, Nadal remained positive, stating, \"Of course disappointed for losing, but in terms of body feelings, happy that I finish healthy. It was a tough battle out there.\" He hinted at the possibility of this being his final tournament at Roland Garros, expressing peace with his journey and efforts over the past two decades.
Nadal’s exit marks the end of an era for tennis fans worldwide, celebrating his relentless spirit and unparalleled achievements on the clay courts of Paris.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com