The last dance? Rafael Nadal keeps a door open

Normally, only winners get to speak after the end of a match on Court Philippe Chatrier, which was bursting at the seams with 15,000 tennis fans. But sometimes an exception has to be made because the situation demands it. Rafael Nadal, the “clay court king” of Paris, who has triumphed here no less than 14 times, gave the green light for an interview after his 3:6, 6:7 (5), 3:6 first-round defeat to Alexander Zverev (D).

He wanted to speak to the audience because it is quite possible that his 19th French Open was also his last. At 6:26 p.m. the match point was hit, the spectators rose from their seats, chanted “Rafa, Rafa”, and Zverev – visibly moved – paid the Mallorcan the respect he deserved with applause.

Alexander Zverev: “It’s Rafa’s moment”

“There is a high probability that I will not return. I hope to see you again, but I don’t know yet,” said Nadal, who left himself a small chance of a comeback at the Bois de Boulogne. If his physical condition allows it, he has the 2024 Summer Olympics there on his list: “But maybe in two months I’ll say that’s enough.”

Nadal, soon to be 38, still seems a little torn; his love for tennis is too great. The signs of wear and tear cannot be ignored, of course: “I went through two tough years with injuries. Now playing against Sascha (Zverev, note) was not exactly the perfect draw for me. But I was competitive, even if it was not enough in the end.”

“}”>