Rafael Nadal lost in straight sets to Alexander Zverev on Monday in what could possibly be his final match in the French Open – a Grand Slam he dominated throughout his career.
Rafael Nadal has owned the clay court at Roland Garros throughout his career, but in what could be his final appearance in the French Open, he lost in the first round in straight sets.
Alexander Zverev, the No. 4-ranked men’s tennis player in the world, took down the Spanish legend that is Nadal, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3, to move on to the second round.
Nadal, 37, was unsure if he would be competing in the tournament last month as he’s continuously battled injuries while trying to extend his illustrious career, which includes 22 Grand Slam titles. He’s won the French Open 14 times, owning an outstanding career record of 112-4 after the loss to Zverev.
Zverev is just the third tennis player ever to beat Nadal at Roland Garros, as Novak Djokovic did it twice – both in the final in 2015 and 2021 – and Robin Söderling in 2009 in the fourth round.
