Andy Murray waved goodbye on Sunday and 24 hours later, it was the turn of 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal to begrudgingly do the same on Philippe Chatrier after an entertaining three-hour tussle against Olympic champion Alexander Zverev capturing everyone’s attention – family, fellow pros and the world’s media – as the Spanish legend’s uncertain future continues.
Fiery forehand, steely Zverev serving stifles Nadal in style
Zverev [4] bt. Nadal 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-3
- Respect! Zverev’s post-match interview, acknowledging the moment: “From all of the tennis world, thank you Rafa. It’s such a great honour, I’ve watched him play all my childhood, lucky to play him when I became a pro and twice on this beautiful court, today’s not my moment – it’s his.”
- Nadal sets sights on Olympics in July: “I’m not 100% sure if it’s the last time, but if it is, I enjoyed it and the incredible energy. The feelings are difficult to describe in words but I feel so special here. Gone through a very tough two years in terms of injuries, went through all these processes with a dream to come back here, it’s difficult to say what’s to come in future. Still have some goals, hopefully will be back here for the Olympics.”
- Tough luck: British players fall to 0-4 after contrasting defeats for Harriet Dart and 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist Cameron Norrie. The latter twice led by a set but ultimately lost 6-2 in decider against Russia’s Pavel Kotov, while Dart was bested in straight-sets by Czech teenager Linda Noskova
- Doesn’t get any easier… Holger Rune faces Dan Evans while former world no. 2 Paula Badosa is Katie Boulter’s assignment across Monday’s schedule, as Brits look to avoid going winless in R1 singles play at a Major
- WTA watch: Iga Swiatek vs. Naomi Osaka, Donna Vekic vs. Marta Kostyuk and Sofia Kenin vs. Caroline Garcia the pick of compelling R2 ties, Maria Sakkari stunned by Varvara Gracheva, while US Open champions Bianca Andreescu (2019) and reigning titlist Coco Gauff (2023) won elsewhere
- Meanwhile on the ATP circuit: Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime both won clean, Ben Shelton avoided a scare against Hugo Gaston while his American compatriot Frances Tiafoe recovered to beat Italian qualifier Mattia Bellucci before big four-set wins for Gael Monfils, Daniil Medvedev
ALEXANDER Zverev used his excellent forehand and big-time serving when it mattered, becoming only the third player to beat Rafael Nadal at the French Open, after Robin Soderling (2009) and defending champion Novak Djokovic (2015, 2021).
Although this eventuality felt inevitable when the draw was announced last week, watching these two go toe-to-toe for three hours was appointment viewing and that was typified by all those watching in the stands, not least Nadal’s compatriot Carlos Alcaraz as well as last year’s singles champions in Djokovic and Iga Swiatek.
Seeing his wife Maria and their son Junior watching on, mini tennis racket in hand, felt poignant. Rafael’s most recent Major title came five months before he became a first-time father and ever since then, he’s spent more time rehabbing and recovering from various niggling issues than on the road producing one last legendary run.
Since painfully refusing to retire with a muscular injury during Mackenzie McDonald’s stunning Australian Open win last year, Nadal had only played 11 competitive matches (7-4) and predominantly on clay after returning in January. That schedule was no coincidence and he wouldn’t have entered this year’s Slam if he didn’t back himself to exceed expectations.
Alex de Minaur beat him in Barcelona, Jiri Lehecka in Madrid and most recently Rome – where Hubert Hurkacz was in imperious form against another legend.
While headlines surrounding Zverev recently have related to off-court issues and ongoing legal cases, the German is riding high after winning Rome outright earlier this month and he’s starting to find his footing again, two years on from a season-ending ankle injury against Nadal on this very stage, albeit in the semifinals.
It’s still early days but if he can sustain this level over the coming fortnight, there’s no reason why he can’t reach the semis and beyond. Nadal hustled and fought with the determination synonymous with his character, but Zverev was unfazed even when the pressure was heightened. If only the German could always play this way.
Match stats
Zverev: eight aces, 77% first serve, 9/11 break points saved, 44 winners and 30 unforced errors
Nadal: two aces, 70% first serve, 12/18 break points saved, 34 winners and 30 UEs
Daniil Medvedev sits in the section directly below and his teething problems with the surface are well-documented, while Karen Khachanov and Holger Rune – both quarterfinalists last season – aren’t exactly consistent at Major tournaments either.
2016 quarterfinalist David Goffin or French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard awaits in round two later this week, where the 27-year-old will again be tasked with the spoiler role, but you can sense he relishes that responsibilty from time-to-time.
Although it was a marquee match and one where he constantly needed to answer questions, raising his level each time Nadal threatened to break and profit from a succession of errors, this victory would’ve served to boost Zverev’s confidence too.
His shot-making at times was awe-inspiring, he executed well and wasn’t afraid to make mistakes or use variation if they served to help him win while shortening their longer rally exchanges. Very few can match him for rally tolerance, and he covered all angles well as Nadal kept pace with a man ten years his junior for large periods.
It wasn’t enough though, and you could sense the crowd sensed the same early in set three despite the Spaniard going up an early break. Broken back in the very next game, he had to fend off four break chances to hold at 3-2, with Zverev’s service games largely flying by without hiccups. This time, there was to be no fairytale.
Writer’s note: Just like with this year’ Australian Open, scheduling conflicts mean I can’ commit to doing daily round-ups like previous seasons. One day in the future, I’ll be accredited for these Slam events and be able to offer more.
Until then, content will again be centred around specific matchups or the story of the day, diving into storylines and more, especially with so much ground to explore and not enough time to do everything justice. Nonetheless, stay tuned to moandsports.com for coverage as the year’s second Major continues.
Picture source: Getty Images, quotes via Tennis Channel broadcast
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