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Rafael Nadal had a nightmare draw in what could have been the 22-time Grand Slam champion's last match at Roland Garros — a place where the Spanaird has won a record 14 titles. Nadal drew world No. 4 Sasha Zverev in the first-round; the German was coming off a title at the Italian Open and is eyeing his first Grand Slam title in a wide open field.
That's especially true after Zverev beat Nadal 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 at the French Open on Monday, dashing the hopes of a deep run for the tournament's most successful athlete. And although the 37-year-old clay court specialist wouldn't confirm or deny whether he would play in France next year, he is hoping to be back on these courts for the 2026 Summer Olympics in just two months.
“Body is feeling a bit better than two months ago. Maybe in two months I say it's enough,” Nadal said in a rare post-match interview for the losing player. “I hope to be back on this court for the Olympics. That motivates me.”
He added: “I don’t know if it’s going to be last time I’m going to be here in front of you. I am not 100% sure, but if it is the last time, I enjoyed it. The crowd have been amazing in the whole week of preparation. The feelings that I have today are difficult to describe in words, but for me, it’s so special to feel the love from the people in the place I love the most.
“It’s a big percentage that I will not be back here playing at Roland Garros, but I’ve enjoyed it a lot. I’m traveling with the family, having fun and the body is feeling a little bit better than two months ago.”
What Rafael Nadal achieved at Roland Garros will never be matched
Despite a disappointing ending for one of the sport's most prolific players, Nadal will go down as the best clay court player ever — and his 14 titles at the French Open will never be matched.
Since he began competing in 2003, Nadal has ridiculously lost just four matches at the tournament, including Monday's defeat to Zverev. His record at Roland Garros stands at an outrageous 112-4.
“I never could imagine when I was a kid that I will be here with almost 28 [years of age] – 38, I would love to be 28,” Nadal said to the crowd at the end. “I couldn’t have dreamed it. It’s been a beautiful process, all the memories have been different, but nonetheless special. The feelings that you make me feel here are unforgettable, thanks very much from the bottom of my heart.”
Nadal reportedly told Roland Garros finalist Alex Corretja last week that his body was “feeling pain free for the first time in two years,” which certainly opens the door to him continuing to compete in 2025. But that is a long way away.
It will be intriguing to see if Nadal will compete in one more French Open in 2025 — and maybe get a better draw if so. But first, the tennis world will be holding its collective breath hoping that a legend of the sport will be back in Paris come July.
