CASSIUS CLAY
Rafael Nadal gives fans hope he could play ANOTHER French Open despite straight sets loss to Alexander Zverev
But Nadal is unlikely to play Wimbledon this year
RAFA NADAL was given a hero’s send-off in Paris as he waved goodbye to the French Open for possibly the final time.
Grand Slam champions Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek were present on Court Philippe-Chatrier to witness the abdication of the King of Clay.
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This was the hottest ticket in town as Nadal – winner of a record 14 French Opens since 2005 – bid farewell to the place where he is adored the most.
Alex Zverev, the No 4 seed, was simply too strong and wily and ended up succeeding in straight sets 6-3 7-6 6-3 over more than three hours.
Nadal, who turns 38 on June 3, went down on his shield like a true warrior and did not disgrace himself – he was just beaten by the better man on his special occasion.
At times, we did see glimpses of the racquet-wielding matador at his best.
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But it was too infrequent to knock out the German, who prevailed two years after their last encounter in the semi-finals when he tore ankle ligaments in a horror fall.
For what we assume is the last time on these grounds, Nadal shook hands with his opponent at the net and then the umpire before putting away his racquets and zipping up his bag.
The noise was deafening when he arrived on court holding the hand of a ball kid under a closed roof due to the rain.
And it was equally as ear-splitting when he departed, the climax to a record-breaking two-decade spell on Parisian clay.
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Technically this is not his final appearance on this red surface as he wants to return for the Paris Olympics in late July and early August with the intention of playing at least men’s doubles with Alcaraz.
However, Nadal is unlikely to play at Wimbledon because the quick transition of clay-grass-clay might ruin his chances of a third Olympic medal in the French capital.
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But he even teased he might return for the 2025 French Open, saying that he would not commit 100% to this being his swansong event.
He said: "I don’t know if it is the last time I am here in front of you, honestly.
"I’m not 100%. If it is the last time, I enjoyed it. The crowd have been amazing during the whole two weeks of preparation."
There was no specially-arranged farewell presentation for the 22-time major winner on his request.
Yet the sight of so many active stars, including his biggest rivals, in the stands was, in a way, its own tribute.
The whole Nadal clan were in attendance, too, with a debut appearance for son Rafael Jr, who was born in October 2022.
The travelling party also included grey-haired uncle Miguel, 57, whose penalty for Spain was saved by England goalkeeper David Seaman in the quarter-final shootout of Euro 96 at Wembley.
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Manchester City star Rodri, fresh from the , had managed to nab a ticket to watch his fellow compatriot and joined in with the morale-boosting chants of Rafa.
This was Nadal’s fourth defeat in 116 matches here and the first time he has exited from the first round as he sent a forehand wide and long.
His Roland Garros record is one of the most astonishing ever witnessed in professional sport and it is unlikely his dominance will be replicated.
There is already a statue of him in full flow next to the main arena and it will act as a reminder for future generations just how exceptional he was on this surface.
Nadal continued: "Today the feeling I have is difficult to describe in words.
"For me, it’s special to feel the love of the people in the place I love the most.
"I have been going through a tough two years in terms of injuries. I went through all this process with the dream to be here at Roland Garros.
"The first round hasn’t been the ideal one. I have to say I needed something else, I was competitive, I had my chances but it was not enough against a great player.
"It’s difficult to say what happens in the future. It’s a big percentage that I will not be back here. I cannot say 100%. I am having fun, the body is feeling better than two months ago.
"Maybe in two months I say, it’s enough. I cannot give anything else. I don’t feel it yet.
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"I have goals in front of me. I hope to be back for the Olympics. That motivates me. I hope to be well prepared.
"It has been a very beautiful process, all the memories, every single year were different, but not less special. Unforgettable feelings. I hope to see you again but I don’t know."
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