Rafa Nadal made a big acknowledgement while conducting an interview after losing at the French Open on Monday.
Nadal got a rough draw at Roland Garros and lost to 4-seed Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in the first round. The 37-year-old Spaniard has been limited to just 15 matches since January 2023 due to hip and other injuries and has gone 8-7 in that span. He entered the French Open this year, where he has historically been dominant, recognizing it could be his last time playing in the major.
In fact, while speaking after his match, Nadal acknowledged this might be his last time competing in the clay court major.
“I don’t know (if) it’s going to be the last time that I gonna be here in front of you, honestly. I am not 100 percent sure. But if it’s last time, I enjoy (sic) it,” Nadal said.
We love you too Rafa, and we hope to see you again next year #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/7hX4Gw46WE
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2024
Nadal has not ruled out playing in the French Open next year, but he has indicated 2024 would likely be his last season before retiring.
Nadal’s dominance at the French Open has been nothing short of amazing. He has won the event 13 times during his career. Monday’s loss to Zverev was only the fourth time he has ever lost in the event! Zverev joins Robin Soderling and Novak Djokovic (twice) as the only players to beat Nadal at the French Open.
Now fans will have to wait to see if this ends up being Nadal’s last time competing in the event.
