2024 ATP tournament schedules and results

14-time Champion Rafael Nadal Knocked Out in First Round of French Open by Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3

May 27, 2024, 04:27 PM

Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion, has been knocked out in the first round of the 2024 French Open by Alexander Zverev. In a match that lasted 3 hours and 5 minutes, Zverev defeated Nadal in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3. This marks Nadal's first-ever first-round defeat at Roland Garros and only his fourth career loss at the tournament. Zverev, the No. 4 seed and current Rome champion, becomes just the third player to beat Nadal at Roland Garros, joining Novak Djokovic and Robin Soderling. Nadal, who was unseeded this year, may have played his final match at his favorite tournament, as he hinted at a potential retirement. The match was a rematch of their 2022 semifinal, where Zverev retired due to an ankle injury. The crowd gave Nadal a standing ovation, acknowledging his legendary career on the clay courts of Roland Garros.