Rafa Nadal chose to resign because
The 14-time champion Rafael Nadal’s comeback at the French Open came to an end at the first hurdle when he lost to Alexander Zverev. This may have been his last one.
The formidable German fourth seed overcame the 22-time Grand Slam champion 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.
Nadal has been synonymous with Roland Garros, but in front of an unbalanced audience, he was unable to achieve the kind of play that has made him almost untouchable on the Paris clay.
The previous year, the 37-year-old gave a hint that 2024 would be his final competitive season when he withdrew from the French Open.
He continued by saying that there is still a “big chance” that this will be his final participation at the clay-court major, even though he is not sure.
Rafael Nadal walked onto Court Philippe Chatrier, the scene of many of his greatest moments, to thunderous cheers from the whole stadium.
Though it was nowhere near his stunning best, the former world champion showed glimpses of the genius that has won him so many admirers—not nearly enough to test Zverev.
At Roland Garros, Zverev defeated Rafael Nadal for the fourth time in 116 meetings as a singles player, following in the footsteps of Novak Djokovic (2015), Robin Soderling (2009), and 2021.
“I’m not sure if I’ll be seeing you for the last time. Rafael Nadal said, “If that is the case, I have enjoyed it,” in a remark made on the court.
“The turnout has been amazing over the entire week. It is truly precious to me to be able to feel people’s affection in this way.
As Nadal exited the court, he was met with standing ovations, and a few of fans in the stadium started crying with appreciation for the best player in the tournament.