Rafael Nadal crashes out to superb Alexander Zverev in French Open first round

Rafael Nadal v Alexander Zverev was the hottest ticket in Paris on Monday, with Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz among those crammed into Court Philippe-Chatrier to witness the King of Clay's return to Roland-Garros. But despite some moments of magic from the Spaniard's racquet, he found Zverev in inspired form on the other side of the net as he bowed out in straight sets.

French Open highlights - Zverev defeats Nadal in emotional occasion for Spanish legend

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Rafael Nadal bowed out of the 2024 French Open at the first hurdle after finding Alexander Zverev in inspired form.

There were plenty of fist pumps and incredible winners from the Spaniard amid a boisterous atmosphere on Court Philippe-Chatrier, but fourth seed Zverev was simply too good as he ran out a 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 winner.

It remains to be seen whether this is Nadal's last appearance at the French Open, with speculation continuing to swirl around his future amid a lengthy fitness battle.

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However, he should be back on the Paris clay this summer, with Roland-Garros set to host the Olympics tennis tournament.

Meanwhile, Zverev became just the third man to beat Nadal at the French Open after Robin Soderling and Novak Djokovic.

The big names were out to watch Nadal, with Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiątek, Carlos Alcaraz and Manchester City’s Rodri all in attendance, but the stars did not align for the veteran, who could not handle the power and athleticism of the No. 4 seed.

Incredible moment fans give huge ovation to Nadal after loss to Zverev

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Zverev breaking in the first game of the match spelt danger, and Nadal showed his usual fighting spirit to stay within one, but it was the German who pressed home his advantage at the end of the first, closing out a second break at 5-3 to snatch first blood.

The second set was a true demonstration of the classic that this first-round encounter had promised to be.

A roar of celebration from Nadal after holding at 2-2 showed how hard the 37-year-old was being made to work for every point, but he propelled himself into his first break of the match in the following game, closing it out with a ferocious forehand and delicate drop-shot winner combination.

The 14-time champion pressed on looking to level the scores at one set each, but Zverev’s superb serving always kept him in the hunt, as the German pulled out a masterclass at 5-3 to force Nadal to serve it out.

Nadal could not, ceding the break of serve and letting the tide turn back in favour of the world No. 4, as the pair found themselves embroiled in a tactical chess match, with Zverev trying to find an answer to Nadal’s heavy topspin forehand, and the Spaniard trying to return the German’s thunderous serves.

Mini-breaks were traded at the start of the tie-break, but it was two incidents at the net that handed Zverev a two-set lead, with the first being a sneaky approach and volley winner right after the changeover, before a tired drop shot from Nadal was put away easily by the German.

'Wow, what a pick-up!' - Nadal wins incredible point with stunning reflexes

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An early break for Nadal at the start of the third set kept a small flicker of hope alive, but he was swiftly dealt a harsh reality as Zverev broke straight back.

The fourth seed spurned four break-point opportunities at 2-2 as Nadal continued to defiantly defend, but a magnificent backhand return down the line for a winner was the breaking point at 4-3.

Zverev brushed off two seemingly dangerous break-back points in his following service game to force Nadal to serve to stay in the tournament, but the Spaniard’s dreams were dashed as a stupendous Zverev attack served up two match points.

He needed just one, as a backhand from the Spaniard flew long.

'I don't know if it's going to be the last time' - Nadal gives emotional speech after loss

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Zverev was keen to pay tribute to his opponent following his victory.

“I don’t know what to say," he said. "Thank you Rafa from all of the tennis world. It’s such a great honour.
“I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood and was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court when I became a professional.

“I don’t know what to say. Today is not my moment, it’s Rafa’s moment.”

Nadal was also interviewed, but left the question hanging over his Roland-Garros future.

“It’s difficult for me to talk," he said. "I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time that I’m going to be here in front of all of you honestly. I’m not 100% sure.

“But if it’s the last time, I enjoyed it. The crowd have been amazing during the whole week of preparation and today.

“The feelings that I have today are difficult to describe in words. For me it’s so special to feel the love of the people the way that I’ve felt, in the place I love the most.”