PARIS, MAY 27 : In a stunning upset at the French Open, Rafael Nadal’s return to the tournament was cut short as he fell to 4th-seeded Alexander Zverev in the first round on Monday. Zverev secured a decisive victory over the 14-time French Open champion with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-7, 3-6.

Nadal, playing his first Grand Slam match of the year after missing the Australian Open, displayed glimpses of his legendary form throughout the match, drawing fervent support from spectators.

Despite showcasing some remarkable tennis, Nadal couldn’t overcome Zverev’s determined performance, who sought revenge for his defeat in the semifinals of the 2022 French Open. The match, lasting 3 hours and 5 minutes, marked Nadal’s third-ever loss at the French Open.
The match began with a shaky start for Nadal, as Zverev quickly seized an early lead by breaking Nadal’s serve.

Despite Nadal’s attempts to stage a comeback, Zverev maintained control and clinched the first set 6-3.
Nadal fought fiercely in the second set, rallying to even the score at 2-2 and thrilling the spectators with his resilience. However, Zverev’s powerful serving and strategic gameplay ultimately prevailed, as he secured the second set in a tie-breaker.

Undeterred, Nadal made a spirited effort in the third set, taking an early lead and captivating the spectators with his exceptional play. However, Zverev’s consistency and composure proved decisive as he broke Nadal’s serve and sealed the match with a 6-3 victory in the third set.

Zverev’s triumph marked a significant upset in the tournament, ending Nadal’s campaign in the first round and sending shockwaves through the tennis world. Despite the defeat, Nadal received a warm ovation from both Zverev and the crowd, acknowledging his enduring legacy at Roland Garros.(UNI)