"It's difficult for me to talk" - Rafael Nadal overwhelmed with emotions as he answers question on whether he has played his final French Open match

Rafael Nadal was taken over by emotions while answering if it was his last match at the French Open. He lost his opener against Alexander Zverev at the 2024 French Open.

The highly-anticipated match between Nadal and Zverev began with the German breaking the Spaniard's serve. Zverev held his serve and then broke again in the ninth game to win the set 6-3. In the second set, the King of Clay broke Zverev's serve first and had an opportunity to serve for the set but got broken. The German clinched the set in the tiebreak.

The Spaniard started the third set well by breaking Zverev's serve but couldn't hold on to the lead and the German broke back. He eventually won the set to win the match 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3.

After the match, the 14-time French Open champion addressed the spectators. He thanked the crowd for their support while adding that he was not sure if this was his last time on the French clay.

"Hello everyone, thank you, it’s incredible(translated from French), the amount of energy. You know it's difficult for me to talk. I don’t know, it's going to be the last time that I am going to be here in front of all of you. Honestly, I am not 100% sure but if it's last time, I enjoyed it," the King of clay said.

He again thanked the crowd for their support during the whole week. The Spaniard described the French Open courts as the 'place he loves the most'.

"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, but for me, it's so special to feel the love of the people, the way that I felt in the place that I love the most. So thank you very much, everyone."

Rafael Nadal hopes to be back in Paris for Olympics

The Spaniard at the 2024 French Open

Rafael Nadal lost in the opening round at the 2024 French Open but it may not be the last time played in the French capital. The Spaniard might be back for one final hurrah at his beloved court for the Paris Olympics.

He expressed his desire in his on-court interview that the Olympic games were a motivating factor for him. After the games, he would assess his fitness levels and make a decision on his future.

"I hope to return to this court for the Paris Olympic Games, that motivates me and I hope to be well prepared. After the Games, I have to see how I am in terms of motivation, physicality and tennis level to see if it makes sense to continue playing," Nadal said in his on-court interview.

Rafael Nadal won Olympic gold medals in singles and doubles in 2008 and 2016, respectively.