Rafael Nadal suffered a shock exit from the French Open, falling to German fourth seed Alexander Zverev in straight sets.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner was beaten 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 by the in-form Zverev. The loss marks Nadal’s earliest departure from the tournament since his debut in 2005.
Playing in front of a supportive crowd, Nadal struggled to find his form against Zverev, committing twice as many errors as his opponent. Although the former world number one displayed glimpses of his signature style, he failed to maintain consistency throughout the match.
Zverev dominated play with his powerful serve and precise shot placement. The German maintained composure and poise even in high-pressure moments, ultimately sealing the match with a convincing ace.
After the disappointing result, Nadal hinted at retirement, suggesting that the current season might be his last due to ongoing injuries.
When asked about his plans for the 2024 season, Nadal stated, “I don’t know if it’ll be the last time I’m going to be here in front of you, if it is I have enjoyed it.”
“The crowd have been amazing the whole week. For me, it’s so special to feel the love of the people the way I have felt.”
Although visibly emotional, Nadal remained gracious in defeat, acknowledging the raucous support from fans throughout the match. As he exited the court, Nadal received a lengthy standing ovation from spectators.
