Paris [France], May 27 (ANI): Paris [France], May 27 (ANI): Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion, gave his all in what might be his final appearance in the French Open but fell prey to the sharp forehand aggressive play of Alexander Zverev as he lost 3-6, 6-7(4), 3-6 in the blockbuster opening round clash on Monday. Nadal, the former World No. 1, suffered a first-round defeat at Roland Garros.
This is the first time that he made an exit in the first round. Spectators at the Court Philippe-Chatrier witnessed vintage Nadal moments as he played some of his best tennis, especially with his trademark forehand passing shot in a three-hour-and-five-minute match. Zverev's powerful serve, forceful forehand, and composure under duress proved to be too much to overcome.
Talk among tennis fans of this intriguing matchup - a replay of their Paris semifinal from two years back when they played for almost three hours before Zverev was forced to withdraw due to a terrible ankle injury - began as soon as the draw was announced at Roland Garros. WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic all sat in the stands to watch the exciting match.
The match was won in straight sets but every time Nadal appeared to have the upper hand and get the boisterous audience behind him, Zverev came up with a countermove to regain the upper hand. Rain forced the match to be played indoors on Court Philippe-Chatrier, where Zverev served heavily and hit a sharp fo.
