PARIS, May 27 (Xinhua) -- In what may be his final appearance at the French Open, Rafael Nadal, the undisputed King of Clay, was given a heart-wrenching defeat in the first round.
The Spanish legend, who has dominated the red clay courts of Paris for nearly two decades, lost to Germany's Alexander Zverev in a match that echoed with the sadness of a farewell.
As the crowd gave him a standing ovation, Nadal took a moment to absorb the love and admiration of his fans. His eyes glistened with tears, and he waved to the audience, a gesture that felt like a heartfelt goodbye. The scene was a poignant reminder of the end of an era.
"Today is not my moment, it's Rafa's moment," even the winner Zverev said after the match on Monday.
"Thank you Rafa, from all of the tennis world. It's such a great honour. I've watched Rafa play all my childhood, and I was lucky enough to play Rafa when I became a pro, I was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court."
Since the draw was made this year, the talk of the tournament was this highly-anticipated showdown since the Spaniard legend has indicated on multiple occasions that this year is likely to be his last season competing on the professional tennis circuit.
There was so much excitement for the match that Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and WTA No. 1 Iga Swiatek all sat in the stands to take in the action. The presence of these top players highlighted the significance of the moment, as they joined the crowd in honoring Nadal's incredible career.
Nadal's every move was met with thunderous applause and chants of "Rafa! Rafa!" echoing through the stadium. His signature grit and fighting spirit could still be found, but Zverev's relentless assault proved too much to overcome. The physical toll of years of gruelling competition was evident for the 37-year-old veteran, and as the match progressed, it became clear that this might not be the fairy-tale ending the fans had hoped for.
As the sun set over the storied courts of Roland Garros, a sense of anticipation and nostalgia filled the air.
"I've given my all on these courts for so many years. Today was difficult, but I am proud of everything I've achieved here," Nadal said with his voice tinged with emotion. "Roland Garros will always hold a special place in my heart."
At Roland Garros, from organizers to spectators, from tennis legends to rising stars, everyone sees Nadal as a symbol of the tournament. Once mention the French Ope, the Spaniard's name is invariably linked to it. The relationship between Nadal and the tournament is just like a wonderful love story - the Spaniard comes here for an annual date with Roland Garros, participates in the tournament, and wins the championship.
The Mallorca-born legend has left an indelible mark on this event with nearly 20 years of effort - 115 matches, 112 victories, 14 finals, and 14 titles before this year. No player in the history of the sport has ever dominated a single tournament like he has.
Everyone knows how much people here love Nadal, but only by being here can you truly feel the depth of that affection -- No matter who his opponent is, Nadal always receives overwhelming support from the audience. No matter how late the match ends, his press conferences are almost always packed. Whether he wins or loses, he is always the one who captures everyone's emotions.
For many, Nadal's legacy extends beyond his records and titles. He has inspired countless fans and aspiring athletes with his dedication, sportsmanship, and indomitable spirit. His impact on the game of tennis is immeasurable, and his presence on the court will be profoundly missed.
A slight consolation for the fans is that Nadal has not immediately announced his retirement. He even stated that he would do everything possible to participate in the tennis competition at the upcoming Olympics, which will be held at Roland Garros.
"The main goal for me now is the Olympics," Nadal told the press. ■
