French Open: Vanquished Nadal eyes Paris Olympics

Prameyanews English

Published By : Anirudha Mishra | May 28, 2024 2:40 PM

Rafael Nadal

Paris, May 28: Tennis fans round the globe, former players and even his fierce competitors on the court for decades, were waiting with baited breath for his return to action in the French Open 2024.

Reason being - his popularity, passion for the game, his extra ordinary skills and quality as a player have mesmerised tennis fans for years.

Yes, Rafael Nadal is extra special, there is no second thought about that. Perhaps that is the reason, why even his decade-old competitor Novak Djokovic wished to see him back on tennis court again.

If Spanish tennis legend Nadal has won 22 Grand Slam titles, the only other player to have won more than him is Serbian legend Djokovic, who have 24 Grand Slam crowns. 

But off the court, the two greats Nadal and Djokovic, along with the other tennis icon Roger Federer (20 Grand Slams winner) have always admired each other openly and have been good friends as well.

But in French Open 2024, Nadal's campaign was short lived. He made an early exit with a first round loss on Monday.

 It was an emotional evening at Court Philippe-Chatrier as the 'King of Clay' Rafael Nadal made a shocking first round exit from Roland Garros after losing to Alexander Zverev.

Nadal’s legacy of record 14 Roland Garros titles is a testament to his sheer quality and industry on clay. At 37, the Spaniard has an illustrious career in tennis to look back at, as he moves closer to retirement which seems imminent, considering his injuries.

Even as Alexander Zverev claimed a straight sets victory over the Spaniard, hearts went out to Nadal who, might as well, played his last match of the Grand Slam ever.

"It’s going to be the last time I’m here in front of all of you. I’m not 100% sure, but if it was the last time, then I must say I enjoyed it. The feelings that I have today are difficult to describe in words. For me, it was special to feel the love of the people in the place that I love the most," said Nadal while addressing the spectators in the stadium.

"I have gone through very tough two years in terms of injuries. I went through that recovery process only to be back at Roland Garros. To leave after the first round was not an ideal return. But I have to accept it. I was competitive and I had my chances. But it was not enough against a great player like Sasha (Alexander Zverev)," he averred.

He did give the spectators something to cheer for while mentioning a possible return to Court Philippe-Chatrier for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.

"What you all have made me feel here, it’s unforgettable. I hope to see you again. Merci Beaucoup!" he concluded.

Tennis fans round the globe would love to wish their champion player Rafa, all the very best for Paris Olympics 2024, which starts after a few months. (With IANS support)

 

    Tags
  • Rafael Nadal
  • French Open
  • Paris Olympics 2024

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