Rafael Nadal, in potential last dance at French Open, bites the dust against Alexander Zverev for 2nd ever straight-sets loss at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal experienced a loss at the French Open for only the fourth time, falling in the first round of the 2024 edition to Alexander Zverev in straight sets. The defeat marked only the second time since his Roland Garros debut in 2005 that Nadal lost at the event without winning a set, having also lost to Novak Djokovic in the 2015 quarterfinals.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion started full of nerves and went a break down quickly to fall behind 2-0 in the opening set. While he got better as the set progressed, it was not enough to overpower the German, who wrapped up the first 6-3 without too much trouble.

The second set was more evenly contested, with both players exchaning breaks of serve to force the tiebreaker. A couple of loose drop shots spelled the doom for the Mallorcan, as he lost the tiebreaker 7-5.

The third set saw Nadal and Zverev play some of their best tennis of the night. Nevertheless, the World No. 4 broke to go 5-3 up. Serving to stay in the match, Rafael Nadal got broken again, handing the set 6-3 to the 27-year-old.

Overall, the match lasted a little over three hours, a testament to the Spaniard's level despite his lack of match practice coming into the French Open. Zverev is now only the third man to beat him at Roland Garros, following Robin Soderling and Novak Djokovic.

In his press conference before the French Open, the 37-year-old had dismissed the idea that it was definitely his final appearance in Paris, saying that he was not 100% certain about whether he will return after this year.

"Is this my last Roland Garros? Probably yes, but I don't want to say 100%. I don’t want to close the door. I'm sorry. I can't predict the future. This place is magical for me. I may say yes in a couple of months, but I feel better than a month and a half ago," Nadal said.

---

What lies ahead for Rafael Nadal after French Open defeat?

Rafael Nadal

Following his defeat at the 2024 French Open, Rafael Nadal is confirmed to play the Wimbledon Championships, as his name has been seen in the entry list for the grass Major.

After that, the Spaniard has hinted that he will try to participate at the Paris Olympics, which will take plce at Roland Garros. Nadal is a former gold medalist at the Olympics, winning the singles in 2008 and the doubles in 2016 with Marc Lopez.