Rafael Nadal’s possible final French Open came to an end quickly on Monday. The 14-time champion at Roland-Garros fell in straight sets to No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (5), (6-3) in the first round.
“I don’t know if this is farewell, but if it was, it was special to feel the love in the place I love the most.
“I have to congratulate Sacha on victory and winning in Rome. For me, I have been going through a tough two years in terms of injuries.
“I went through the process to get back to Roland Garros, the dream. I was competitive, I had my chances, but it was tough against this opponent.
“It is a big percentage this was my last match at Roland Garros but I cannot say for sure. I am enjoying travelling with my family. My body is feeling good.
“Maybe I two months I say it’s enough, I can’t give more. But I hope to be back on this court for the Olympics. That’s another chance. I hope to be prepared.
“This court, I could not have imagined being here at almost 38 years old, with winning so many times. I could not have dreamed about it. It was beautiful.
“All the people make it special, ever since the first time. All the support, my people, my team. Everybody who helped me. I can’t thank them enough.
“Last, all the fans. It was unforgettable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope to see you again, but I don’t know.”
Rafa’s legacy at Roland Garros will never be touched by others. 14 titles, 112 wins, 4 titles without the loss of a set, etc. Rafa defeated the best players in the history of the sport to win these titles, including Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, Andy Murray, Juan martin del potro, among other Grand Slam Champions!
Here’s hoping Rafa plays the Olympics at Roland Garros and gets the gold medal. That would be a great way to go out on top!
Really stupid move by RG not to seed Rafa. Think of the money they will lose with him out so early.
Regardless, what’s done is done. I stayed up all night (as always) to watch our Champion. My heart broke form him in the 2nd set. But I am so thankful he’s not done yet!! I have watched every match he has played. I will never have another favourite like him. It’s impossible. He is one of a kind and I pray he gets the match plays in to build his confidence and keeps going! So sad he won’t be part of RG24 remainder. Vamos, Rafa. We love you so.
Men’s tennis will not be the same without Rafa (or Roger) 🙁
Rafa was incredibly poised during his speech after today’s match. It’s promising that he didn’t close on the door on a possible return in the future. We love you, Rafa!
Rafa tried his best, but it wasn’t enough to get the win today. It is never easy coming back from almost two years of injuries. However, there was significant improvement in Rafa’s game today against Zverev when compared to earlier this clay season. Rafa wowed us with some vintage Rafa shots! Looking forward to catching Rafa’s next tennis match, whether it be at the Olympics or beyond. He is one of a kind and his Roland Garros record of 14 titles (and 112 wins) will likely never be matched by anyone in the future. Rafa, we are so proud of you!
I agree with the lovely posts here. I will still watch tennis, but there will never be another Rafa. He was by far my favorite athlete. He was a great player, but an even better man. I think this was his last RG. He wants to play the Olympics which I hope happens. As someone said, all the stars were aligned against him, but he played before 15,000 adoring fans. Rafa has had the chances to say goodbye which his good friend Roger never received.
For me tennis will never be the same without Rafa . I’ve followed him throughout his career.
Same.
Me too.
Same
It has been a long and winding road back to Roland Garros, but you were there to fight
once again. You know we are insatiable, and do not want a goodbye. You played like the champion you are. We suspect you had to fight a greater battle in the last two years just to play today. So, no sad songs , Rafa. Merci beaucoup, campeon❤️
Just read that Rafa was saying that he may skip Wimbledon this year as it doesn’t make sense to switch to grass, than have to switch back to clay to compete in the Olympics. Says he doesn’t know for sure, but is thinking about it. Makes sense to me because I remember reading previously that Rafa has said the toughest surface change is going from clay to grass.
Just felt that it wasn’t meant to be. First the draw. Then the weather and roof closing. Then all the missed break points. Might have been a different match had he won the second.
Hoping Rafa stays fit, comes into top form in the coming months and then claims back his crown next year, one last time!
If this was the last match at RG, thank you for all the wonderful memories and inspiration Rafa! Love you!
There was tennis before Rafa but watching and supporting him since he was a teenager gave tennis a new meaning to me. Doubtful i will be able to get behind any other player in such a way and traveling just to watch him play anywhere i could. Thank you so much Rafa for absolutely everything. Will be happy to watch you for a few more months or for however long you want to play. Vamos!!
You will always be my CHAMPION! It was a great match against #4 Sasha and you gave it so much. I hope the best for you and your beautiful family! Always the one to watch…. Rafa!❤️
If Rafa chooses to retire after Laver Cup then today would be his last ATP tour match. It would be appropriate because not only did he play very well but he had many of his competitors there to watch him as well as a large part of the tennis coummunity.
But Rafa is not sure that he is ready to retire and I selfishly hope that he continues. I would love to see him play enough to eliminate a bunch of unforced errors plus move up in the rankings.
Tennis would obviously be better off if he continues. A lot of the excietment of this years French Open is leaving Paris. Its your call Rafa, all the best.
Yes I also selfishly hope that he continues to play. I was secretly delighted when he said he didn’t want a special ceremony at the French Open, because he wasn’t a 100% sure he would not be back! I think if he continues to improve and becomes more competitive I think he may want to continue. Even Uncle Toni has said as much, “that it won’t be his last year if he gets back to top form.” I think it will be telling to see what happens at the Olympics and if Nadal decides to participate in the hard court season and the US Open.
I don’t think we can ask much more of our champ. Djokovic was in attendance- that is such a sign of respect.
Anyway, Rafa is still rusty but he delivered some incredible points regardless. Even if our champ had won the 2nd set, this would have been an uphill battle. Zverev really came to play just like he did the last time when he got injured.
If Rafa continues to improve, he definitely has a good chance at the Olympics in a few months.
Well done Rafa… your 14 titles at RG will stand for a while!
Rafa you played amazingly! Too bad you had to play Zverev in 1st round as you needed more matches to get back into your best tennis!! I was thrilled to watch you !
We knew it was going to be a tough first round match for Rafa. The good news is that Rafa played well, he was really competitive and much closer to form than any other point this year. He came close to winning the second set and was competitive throughout. And Zerev played very well. Shame that he had such a tough first round, because otherwise I think he could have gone much further in this Grand Slam. I’m grateful that he will continue to play this season and think he will only get better from here on!!
So proud of you, Rafa.🤩😍
All the best always!❤️
It was a rotten draw, and the bad weather didn’t help, but at least he lost to a top 5 player in a close match. Thank you for everything, Rafa. We love you.
All good things come to an end😭
You gave all what you had, you had chances, but in the end, it’s over after three sets😭
Thanks for everything Rafa, Love you❤️
For me tennis will never be the same without Rafa. Humble, charismatic and a true ambassador to the sport.