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Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal has possibly played the last French Open of his career as he was knocked out of Roland Garros 2024 by Alexander Zverev in the first round. The German tennis star registered a 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 victory in the first round at the Philippe-Chatrier.
Nadal found moments to showcase his charisma and class, especially with his trademark forehand passing shot. But Zverev and his ferocious serve, and aggressive forehand were too much for Nadal as the German held his nerves to grind out a victory in three hours and five minutes.
Sashcha jumped ahead in Set 1 to go up 2-0 but Nadal managed to pull things back until Zverev clinched the set 6-3. Rafa then went the distance in Set 2 as it came down a thrilling tie-breaker. But Alexander Zverev once again proved to be better.
Then came the third set where Rafael Nadal gave himself and his fans a chance as he took a 2-0 lead but Alexander Zverev held his own under the pressure and zoomed through to clinch the set and match 6-3.
After this defeat, Nadal was emotional as he said, “The feelings you make me feel here are just unforgettable. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart; I hope to see you again but I don’t know.”
