Rafael Nadal versus Alexander Zverev was the hottest ticket in Paris on Monday, with Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz among those packed into Court Philippe-Chatrier to see the King of Clay return to Roland-Garros. However, despite some magical moments from the Spaniard’s racquet, he found Zverev in inspired form on the other side of the net, and he lost in straight sets. The 14-time French Open title winner, Nadal was knocked out of the 2024 French Open at the first hurdle after finding the 27-year-old German in an exceptional form. Zverev became only the third man to beat Nadal at the French Open, following Robin Soderling and Djokovic.
In a loud atmosphere on Court Philippe-Chatrier, the Spaniard delivered several of fist pumps and tremendous winners, but fourth seed Zverev was simply too excellent, winning 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3. However, he should return to the Paris clay this summer, as Roland-Garros will host the Olympic tennis tournament.
Zverev’s break in the first game of the match posed a threat, and Nadal showed his typical battling spirit to remain within one, but it was the German who pushed home his advantage after the first, closing off a second break at 5-3 to claim the first blood. The second set was a perfect example of the classic that this first-round match had promised to be.
Nadal’s cry of excitement after holding at 2-2 demonstrated how hard the 37-year-old was working for every point, but he catapulted himself into his first break of the match in the next game, finishing it out with a furious forehand and delicate drop-shot winner combination. Nadal pressed on, hoping to even the score at one set apiece, but Zverev’s excellent serving kept him in the game, as the German delivered a masterpiece at 5-3 to compel Nadal to serve it out.
Nadal couldn’t, giving up the break of serve and allowing the tide to turn in favor of the world No.4, as the pair became embroiled in a tactical chess match, with Zverev trying to find an answer to Nadal’s heavy topspin forehand and the Spaniard attempting to return the German’s thunderous serves.
An early break for Nadal at the start of the third set provided a glimmer of hope, but he was quickly delivered a harsh reality as Zverev broke straight back. Zverev fended off two very serious break-back points in his next service game, forcing Nadal to serve to stay in the tournament, but the Spaniard’s hopes were destroyed when a spectacular Zverev attack served up two match points.
