Tennis fans were left stunned on Monday as Rafael Nadal, the 14-time champion and clay court maestro, was defeated in straight sets by Germany's Alexander Zverev in the first round of the French Open. 🎾😱
The 27-year-old Zverev put on an incredible performance, taking down the legendary 37-year-old Spaniard with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3. This match could very well mark the end of Nadal's epic Grand Slam journey in Paris, leaving fans reminiscing about his unforgettable moments on the red clay. 🏆❤️
\"To be honest, I don't know what to say,\" Zverev admitted during his on-court interview. \"First of all, thank you Rafa from all of the tennis world. It's such a great honor. I've watched Rafa play all my childhood and was lucky enough to play him when I became a professional. I was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court. I don't know what to say. Today is not my moment; it's Rafa's moment, so thank you.\" 🙏✨
With this victory, Zverev joins an exclusive club, becoming only the third player to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros, alongside tennis giants Novak Djokovic and Robin Soderling. 🎉
Nadal reflected on his loss with grace: \"Of course, disappointed for losing, but in terms of body feelings, happy that I finish healthy, you know, and I had a tough battle out there. And I was ready for a little bit more. So that's it. Accept the moment. If it's the last time that I played here, I am in peace with myself (smiling). I tried everything to be ready for this tournament for almost 20 years. And today and the last two years I have been working and going through probably the toughest process in my tennis career with the dream to come back here, no? At least I did.\" 🌟
Whether this is truly the last time we'll see Nadal on the courts of Roland Garros, his legacy remains immortal. From his first win to his latest battle, he's inspired generations of tennis lovers worldwide. Gracias, Rafa! 🙌🇪🇸
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
