When he defeated Rafael Nadal in the first round of the French Open, Alexander Zverev called the match “special” and said he “didn’t know how to act.”
Zverev, who is currently regarded as one of the favorites to win the French Open following an outstanding match against the “King of Clay,” defeated Rafael Nadal 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3.
Zverev acknowledged that he was experiencing mixed feelings as he attempted to process the significance of the match he had participated in. Zverev will now join a select group of just four players who have defeated Nadal on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Although Nadal is a 14-time champion at the French Open, he declined to say that it was his last one. However, it’s likely that his Roland Garros record will end with a loss to Zverev.
“It was exceptional, it was unquestionably exceptional,” Zverev acknowledged to the reporters following one of his career’s most memorable matches.
“There were times when I wasn’t sure how to react, particularly toward the end of the game.
“It’s unclear if he plans to return and compete the following year. Though there is some doubt, he will return for the Olympics, if only for Roland Garros.
The progress he has made in the past few months and the level at which he performed today, in my opinion, was astounding.
“I thought it was a really good match, and he will play even better if he stays healthy.” He will then be seeded once more, which will undoubtedly make things much simpler for him.
Amelie Mauresmo, the tournament director, later talked Nadal into speaking to the audience.
He remarked, “I enjoyed it, but I’m not sure if this is my last time here in front of you, not 100%.”
It’s hard for me to put into words how I feel, but it’s really great to feel loved by everyone in the location I cherish the most.
“In addition to going through a difficult two years due to injuries, I also went through a process with the goal of returning to Roland Garros.”
Although it wasn’t the best start, I was competitive and had opportunities. It’s hard to predict the future; there’s a good chance I won’t return, but I can assure you that I’m having a great time playing.
“It’s something I don’t want right now, and I want to be back on this court for the Olympics. Maybe in two months I’ll say enough.
“When I was a child, I never could have imagined that, with all of my achievements, I would be here at almost 38 years old. I honestly do hope to see you again, but I’m not sure.
After an improved showing against the German, tennis great Boris Becker offered his assessment of Zverev’s performance, saying Nadal should be confident about what lies ahead in the closing months of his career.
“From the beginning, Sascha was the superior player,” Becker stated to Eurosport. “He never let up, breaking Nadal’s first service game right away. When Nadal led and lost the tie-break in the second set, it seemed to me that the match was decided. At that moment, it seemed obvious that Zverev would prevail.
“I think Rafa will still compete at Roland Garros in the Olympics, but I don’t think he’ll return to the French Open in 2025.”
He is naturally emotional, and it’s likely that he spent a restless night wondering if this might be the final time. He wished to bid farewell with grace. Zverev was his next opponent, and even on a good day, he can lose to him. Nadal found it to be quite emotionally taxing for this reason.
After making a strong return to start, Sascha made his way into the rallies. Over the course of the match, Zverev improved as the rallies grew lengthier. That’s not like him against Nadal—the king of Paris, after all. Because he can drive his opponent off the court, he controls the baseline and the middle of the court. Because of Zverev’s location, it was the opposite way around today.