The 37-year-old Spaniard, former world number 1, lost to the 27-year-old German with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 in three hours and five minutes
The 14-time winner of the tournament Rafael Nadal exits the scene in the first round of Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam round of the season, currently taking place on the red clay courts of the Bois de Boulogne. In what was most likely his last match in Paris, the 37-year-old Spaniard, former world number 1, who dropped to number 275 due to ongoing physical problems, lost to the 27-year-old German Alexander Zverev, number 4 in the ATP ranking and fourth seed. series, with the score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 in three hours and five minutes.
“I’m not 100% sure that this was my last match here, but if it were I have to thank you. The emotions I felt here at Roland Garros have always been extraordinary and the love I have always received here has been special “, Nadal’s words.
“There’s a good chance that I won’t play this tournament again, but I can’t be certain – underlines Nadal -. My body is better than in the last two years, which were difficult for me, but maybe in two months I’ll say enough. At the moment, however, I don’t I feel like saying it, I have goals and I hope to be on the field for the Paris Games, it gives me motivation. I hope to be prepared.”
Iga Swiatek advances to the 2nd turn
Defending champion Iga Swiateek advances to the 2nd round of Roland Garros. The Pole, world number 1 and first seed, defeats the Transalpine Leolia Jeanjean, number 148 in the WTA ranking and who has passed through the qualifiers, with a score of 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour of play .