In one of the most eagerly awaited first round matches in recent history at the French Open, 14-time champion Rafael Nadal has been beaten in straight sets by Alexander Zverev.
Nadal, who was unseeded in the tournament for the first time in his career, put up a courageous fight before falling 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3, to world No.4 Zverev. The encounter saw both players produce some of their best tennis but it was the in-form German who came out on top with the help of some thunderous serving, as well as his ability to turn defensive play into attack during rallies.
“Thank you Rafa from all of the tennis world,” Zverev said in a tribute afterwards. “It is such a great honour. I have watched him all my childhood I have been lucky enough to play him, and twice on this beautiful court. Today is not my moment it is Rafa’s moment and I am not going to speak much.”
For weeks there has been speculation that this year could be Nadal’s last appearance in Paris before stepping away from the sport for good. Even though the Spaniard, who turns 38 next month, recently stated he is not ruling out a return. The uncertainty resulted in a sell-out stadium of almost 15,000 spectators with the majority of those attending choosing to do so in case it was his final appearance. Among those watching in the stands were major champions Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek.
Stepping onto his beloved Court Philippe Chatrier, the king of clay was greeted with an almighty eruption of cheers from the Parisian crowd which reverberated throughout the entire Roland Garros venue. He has won the clay court major more times than any other player in history and before this week only been beaten three times at the tournament out of 115 matches played. Losing twice to Novak Djokovic (2015 and 2021), as well as once to Robin Soderling in 2009.
Despite the occasion, a focused Zverev refused to be intimidated as he had his own motivation to win. Two years ago in the semi-finals of the same tournament, he was involved in a tightly contested battle with Nadal before sustaining a serious ankle injury which forced him to retire and sidelined him from the Tour for months.
With a lot at stake for both men, Nadal got off to a slow start by getting broken to love in the first game. Paving the way for recent Italian Open champion Zverev to dictate proceedings as he worked his way to a 5-3 lead. Three set point chances then came and went for him before he prevailed on his fourth after a forehand shot from his rival crashed into the net.
It looked as if the tides were turning in the second set when a resilient Nadal saved a duo of break points before dismantling the Zverev serve for the first time in the following game for a 3-2 lead. Producing some of his best shot-making, the Spaniard had the chance to serve the second frame out but was unable to do so as his on-court nemeses elevated his level in a mighty fight back to draw level.
Continuing to tame the animated crowd, Zverev went on to extend his stronghold by squeezing through a tense 11-minute tiebreaker which featured some gut-busting rallies.
The cat-and-mouse chase continued with Zverev yet again finding himself falling behind against a gutsy Nadal in the third set before slowly clawing his way back. He dealt his final blow midway through by hitting a blistering passing shot to break and move to the brink of victory which he finally secured after more than three hours of pulsating tennis.
“It is incredible, I want to say thank you. It is difficult for me to talk,” said Nadal.
“I am not 100% sure if this is going to be the last time I am in front of you. The feelings I have today are hard to describe. To feel the love in the place I love the most. I have to congratulate Sascha for this great match. I know 2022 has been a super tough moment for you and so I wish you the best.”
“I have been going through a tough moment, so many injuries but I went through it to get back here. I had my chances but it was not enough against a great player.”
Zverev’s triumph underscores his title credentials as he chases after his maiden major trophy at the age of 27. He is now on a seven-match winning streak.
As for Nadal, it is the first time in his entire career that he has suffered back-to-back losses on the clay. Regardless of whether he plays again or not, he can take comfort in knowing that his name has been permanently written in the record books.
“There is a big chance I won’t be back but I can’t say 100%,” he admits. “My body is feeling better than two months ago. Maybe in two months I say it is enough but I don’t feel it yet.
“I hope to be back on this court for the Olympics. I have amazing feelings on this court, I never dreamed as a kid I would be here 38. All the memories have been different, so special. Support has been unforgettable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
