Watch: Rafael Nadal remains undecided on future after French Open first-round exit

Though he did not confirm his decision to retire at the end of what has turned out to be a disappointing 2024 season so far, Rafael Nadal potentially bowed out of the French Open one last time with a first-round defeat against world No 4 Alexander Zverev.

Nadal had won the clay-court Grand Slam a total of 14 times and had suffered only three defeats heading into Monday’s opening-round fixture against Zverev. The Spaniard, however, could hardly keep up with his German opponent on Monday, suffering a 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 defeat that resulted in a first-ever opening-round exit at Roland Garros.

Court Philippe-Chatrier was packed to the rafters to witness Nadal commence what was widely believed to be his final campaign at his favourite hunting ground, and the crowd was heavily cheering him on against Zverev, hoping their support would carry him into the second round even if the veteran, who turns 38 on 3 June, was nowhere close to his best and also appeared to be struggling with his fitness.

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Despite the disappointing defeat however, Nadal gave his fans present at the venue as well as those watching around the world a ray of hope that this perhaps wasn’t his final appearance at the clay-court Grand Slam after all.

“It is difficult for me to talk, I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll be here in front of all of you,” Nadal said during the post-match interview after his defeat against Zverev.

“Honestly, I am not sure. If it is, then you have been amazing. The feelings I have today are difficult to describe in words. It is the place I love the most.”

“It’s hard to say about the future. I am travelling with my family and I am having fun. The body is feeling better than it did two months ago. Maybe in two months I say it’s enough. That is something I don’t feel yet,” Nadal added.

Nadal had already indicated the fact that he was in two minds with regards to the 2024 season being the last of his decorated career before his first-round meeting against Zverev.

Watch the full video here:

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

Monday’s defeat isn’t likely to be Nadal’s final appearance in Paris either, with the Spaniard hoping to win a gold medal for his country at the Olympics that take place in the French capital between 26 July and 11 August.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion is likely to make a more concrete statement on his future after the Olympics.