Roland-Garros LIVE: Rafael Nadal beaten by Alexander Zverev in potential farewell

GAME, SET AND MATCH ! Zverev 6-3 7-6 6-3 Nadal

“If it was the last time, I enjoyed it.”

GAME, SET AND MATCH ! Zverev 6-3 7-6 6-3 Nadal

A difficult day for Nadal. The second set fightback was sensational, but Zverev handled the occasion incredibly well and responded to win the tiebreak. It was so crucial.

It was such a brutal draw for Nadal. Based on this performance, he could have gone far if he hadn’t drawn the fourth seed, who is arguably THE player in form on the men’s side.

GAME, SET AND MATCH ! Zverev 6-3 7-6 6-3 Nadal

Oh my god. It was moving. There will be tears in the stands as Nadal leaves the court to a standing ovation.

Is this for the last time? Nadal left the door open to come back one last time. The Olympic Games, which will take place here in two months, are a big goal.

And after ? He will be almost 39 next year. But if he feels healthy, it looks like Nadal will give it a shot.

Here is Nadal, he has the chance to speak.

“I don’t know if this is goodbye, but if it was, it was special to feel the love in the place I love the most.

“I have to congratulate Sacha on his victory and his victory in Rome. For my part, I had a difficult two years in terms of injuries.

“I took all the steps to return to Roland Garros, the dream. I was competitive, I had my chances, but it was tough against this opponent.

“It’s a big percentage. It was my last match at Roland Garros but I can’t say for sure. I like to travel with my family. My body feels good.

“Maybe for two months I say that’s enough, I can’t give more. But I hope to be back on this court for the Olympics. It’s another chance. I hope to be prepared.

“On this field, I could not have imagined being here at almost 38 years old, with so many victories. I couldn’t have dreamed of it. It was beautiful.

“Everyone makes this moment special, from the first time. All the support, my people, my team. Everyone who helped me. I can’t thank them enough.

“Finally, all the fans. It was unforgettable. Thank you from the heart. I hope to see you again, but I don’t know.

Zverev closes victory against Nadal. A stunned silence from Philippe-Chatrier, before applause and recognition to the great Spaniard. He was beaten today, but he put up an incredible fight. Zverev was too good. It was a brutal first round draw for the 37-year-old.

” I do not know what to say. Thanks to Rafa, from everyone in tennis, it’s a great honor. I watched Rafa all my childhood and I had the chance to play him. Today is not my time. This is his moment.

*Nadal 3-6 6-7 3-5 Zverev

A chance for the Spaniard: Nadal responds and performs a flashy aerial to reach 15-30, before a double fault from Zverev! Nadal had a chance on the first break point, placing a backhand long from the baseline, but no chance on the second, with Zverev putting a clear winner on the line.

It’s an impressive catch from Zverev, as he takes another step. He sends Nadal running before finding a superb backhand winner. Too good.

Nadal 3-6 6-7 3-4 Zverev* – Zverev breaks

Zverev takes a 0-30 lead on Nadal’s serve, before the Spaniard produces a sensational winner down the line against Zverev’s smash.

The pressure returns immediately after a double fault which brings two additional break points at 14-40.

Nadal throws the forehand and grunts to save the first.

But it was one of Zverev’s shots of the match: a backhand return down the line for a clean winner, ultimately burning a hole in Nadal’s serve-and-volley approach.

This is met with silence. That could be it.

*Nadal 3-6 6-7 3-3 Zverev

What a response from Zverev, putting the pressure back on Nadal in a flash after hanging on at love. The German served impressively today.

Nadal 3-6 6-7 3-2 Zverev*

Zverev is relentless: he doesn’t take his eyes off Nadal even though Nadal saves a third break point with an ace. Zverev powers a forehand winner for a fourth break point, as Nadal returns to the net to volley.

This would be a vital hold for Nadal. And you know what, he gets it, fighting hard from the baseline to force Zverev to miss. Four break points saved. He continues to fight.

*Nadal 3-6 6-7 2-2 Zverev

Nadal appeared to be heading into a strong position, but from 40 to 15, Zverev produced a tricky return at the Spaniard’s feet. That turned the tables, with Zverev becoming a rock on the baseline to win the next three points and reach break point.

Nadal digs deep, briefly challenging Zverev with a magnificent backhand volley. But the German is now like a wall, throwing everything back at Nadal, forcing the miss into the net. Second break point: Zverev has a chance – but fails to direct the passing shot after sliding into the net.