Rafael Nadal, the 14-time champion, was defeated by Alexander Zverev at the first hurdle, marking the end of his French Open comeback and potentially his final one.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion was defeated by the potent German fourth seed 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3.

Nadal has come to be associated with Roland Garros, but he was unable to reach the kind of play that has made him nearly unbeatable on the Paris clay in front of a biased audience.

When he withdrew from the French Open the previous year, the 37-year-old hinted that 2024 would be his last season competing.

He added that while he is unsure if this will be his last appearance at the clay-court major, there is still a “big chance” that it will be.

A whole stadium erupted in applause as Rafael Nadal entered Court Philippe Chatrier, the site of many of his best moments.

The former world champion displayed glimmers of the genius that has won him so many fans, even though it was nowhere near his breathtaking best—but not nearly enough to put Zverev to the test.

Zverev defeated Rafael Nadal for the fourth time in 116 singles encounters at Roland Garros, joining Robin Soderling (2009) and Novak Djokovic (2015) and 2021.

“I’m not sure if this will be my final appearance in front of you. In an on-court statement, Rafael Nadal stated, “If it is, I have enjoyed it.”

“The entire week, the attendance has been incredible. Being able to experience people’s affection in this way is really precious to me.”

Standing ovations greeted Nadal as he left the court, with several fans in the stands sobbing with gratitude for the best player in the competition.