Roland Garros 2024: Rafael Nadal suffers a historic defeat at the hands of Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros 2024, as the Spaniard gets eliminated from the Roind 1 of the tournament for the first time in his playing career. Also, it was Rafael Nadal's first-ever 3-0 defeat in French Open, as the German was too good for the 14-time winner and 'King of Clay'. The World number 4 defeated the 22-time Grand Slam winner 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 to become only the third player after Robin Soderling and Novak Djokovic to defeat the 'King of Clay' at Roland Garros.
During the post-match on-court interview, Zverev acknowledged the legend of Rafael Nadal and praised the Spaniard for the impact he had over the German's career.
"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 honour. I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood, and I was lucky enough to play Rafa when I became a pro, I was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court. Today is not my moment, it’s Rafa’s moment,” said Alexander Zverev.
Rafael Nadal's Emotional Message After The Defeat
“It’s true that the first round has not been an ideal one. I had my chances but it was not enough against a great player like Sascha. The amount of feelings that I had on this amazing court during all my tennis career is just unbelievable. I never dreamed I would be here at almost 38 years old, with all the success I had here, winning so many times – it is something that I never dreamt of," said Rafel Nadal.
"For me it’s difficult to say what will happen in the future. It’s a big percentage that I won’t be back at Roland-Garros, but I can’t say 100 percent. I enjoy playing here, I like traveling with the family, and my body is feeling a little bit better than it did two months ago. I hope to be back on this court for the Olympics. That motivates me,” he added.