Roland Garros: too much Alexander Zverev for Rafael Nadal
Roland Garros: Alexander Zverev beats Rafael Nadal and pays tribute to him
The Roland Garros first-round super match between Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal was won by the German. The fresh winner of the Internazionali d'Italia won over the Spaniard in three sets with a score of 6-3 7-6 6-3. What made the difference for the world No. 4 was the many points scored with his backhand.
The first jolt to the match came from Zverev, who took advantage of Nadal’s errors to break serve already in the early stages of the match. The Iberian has a minimal reaction, but the German saves and then manages the situation until the final 6-3. In the second partial è again the world number four commanded the game, but surprisingly è the Spaniard found the break in the fifth game. The Internazionali d'Italia champion, however, did not flinch and first recovered the disadvantage then won the second set at the tie-break with the score of 7-5. In the third set, the 14-time Roland Garros champion tries to give it his all but it is not enough, as Zverev asserts his greater superiority from the back court and closes the score at 6-3.
After his success, the world number four wanted to leave the limelight to Rafael Nadal, who in all likelihood played his last Roland Garros in his career: "It's not my moment, but Rafa's. It's right for him to speak and for this moment to be celebrated".
“I simply want to say thank you. I am not sure if this is the’last time near you. If è the’last time I enjoyed it. The feelings I had are hard to describe. This place è the one I love the most. My dream was to play this tournament again. I think I was competitive, but it è was not possible against a strong player like Zverev. There’è a very good chance that I won’t play this tournament again, but I can’t be sure. Maybe in two months I will sayò enough, but this feeling for the moment I don’t feel it. I have goals and I hope to still be on the court here for the Olympics. This è the thing that motivates me the most; and I hope to be prepared for this appointment” began the Spanish tennis player in the postgame.
"I want to congratulate Zverev for the win in Rome and for the match today. I wish you all the best on this path in the tournament" Rafael Nadal commented.
