Similar names and similar results! The greatest champion in the French Open’s history, Rafael Nadal, may have played his final match at the slam. The 14-time champ went out to fourth seed Alexander Zverev in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3. Although Nadal didn’t confirm whether it was his last match at the French Open, it’s safe to say his 112-4 record won’t be toppled anytime soon, if ever.
India’s top-ranked singles player, Sumit Nagal, suffered the same fate as his idol. Going against the eighteenth seed, Karen Khachanov, the Indian ace wasn’t in the competition in the first two sets. He put up a valiant effort in the third set, taking the Russian to a tiebreaker. However, despite Nagal’s best efforts, the two-time quarterfinalist came out on top. He beat the Indian in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0, 7-6(5).
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Has Rafael Nadal played his last French Open?
Although many assumed, given his difficulty with injuries since last year, Nadal was playing his last French Open. But the 22-time Grand Slam champion has kept the door open. After losing the match to Zverev, he said, “It’s difficult to say what’s going on in the future. There’s probably a big chance I won’t be back playing here, but I can’t say 100%.” He also said he’s still not sure whether he’ll be back at the same court in two months for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Sumit Nagal’s Olympics dream over?
Due to an injury-marred clay season, Nagal may have lost any hopes of making it to Paris. The Olympics has a 64-player singles draw, out of which eight spots are reserved. That means the top 56-ranked players will make it to Paris. Ranked 97th in the world after his round-one exit, the Indian ace probably won’t make the cut.
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