Rafa exits Paris on a wave of emotion

PARIS — Rafael Nadal's illustrious French Open career came to a likely end with a first-ever opening round defeat at the hands of Alexander Zverev on Monday, after Iga Swiatek made a winning start in her bid for a fourth title.

Nadal matched world No 4 Zverev for long periods on a packed Court Philippe Chatrier, but slipped to a 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 loss, as he was beaten for just the fourth time in 116 matches at the tournament.

This year's event was expected to be the 14-time champion's farewell to Roland Garros, but he has since insisted he could not confirm "100 percent" that it would be his last appearance.

"If it is (the last time), then you have been amazing," Nadal told an adoring crowd under the Chatrier roof.

"The feelings I have today are difficult to describe in words. It is the place I love the most."

Nadal, who turns 38 next week, showed all his trademark fighting qualities in a gripping match, but only managed to convert two of 11 break points against an inspired opponent.

"The first round wasn't ideal," he admitted, before saying he "hoped "to be back at Roland Garros later this summer for the Paris Olympics, but would almost certainly skip Wimbledon.

"It will be difficult playing on grass considering that right after Wimbledon are the Olympic Games."

It was only Nadal's fifth tournament since January 2023 after suffering a hip injury and then a muscle tear, arriving in Paris a lowly 275th in the world rankings.

"It's hard to say about the future," he added. "I am traveling with my family and I am having fun. The body is feeling better than it did two months ago."

Nadal was unseeded for the draw and vulnerable to a difficult opening round.

German Zverev, who lifted the Rome Open title on May 19, proved too strong, despite the fans desperately attempting to raise Nadal to past glories.

The 27-year-old banished the memories of the duo's last meeting, when he left Chatrier court on a wheelchair after injuring his ankle during their 2022 French Open semifinal.

His reward for becoming just the third player to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros — after Novak Djokovic and Robin Soderling — is a match against either David Goffin or home wild card Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.