Rafael Nadal gets emotional after losing first round in possible last French Open: 'Not 100% sure'

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Rafael Nadal has owned the clay court at Roland Garros throughout his career, but in what could be his final appearance in the French Open, he lost in the first round in straight sets. 

Alexander Zverev, the No. 4-ranked men’s tennis player in the world, took down the Spanish legend that is Nadal, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3, to move on to the second round. 

Nadal, 37, was unsure if he would be competing in the tournament last month as he’s continuously battled injuries while trying to extend his illustrious career, which includes 22 Grand Slam titles. He’s won the French Open 14 times, owning an outstanding career record of 112-4 after the loss to Zverev. 

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Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd after his defeat by Alexander Zverev in the men's singles first-round match at the French Open at Roland Garros on May 27, 2024, in Paris. (Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Zverev is just the third tennis player ever to beat Nadal at Roland Garros, as Novak Djokovic did it twice – both in the final in 2015 and 2021 – and Robin Söderling in 2009 in the fourth round. 

The emotions for Nadal were understandably high after the match, as the crowd roared despite his quick exit. 

RAFAEL NADAL, 37, DISMISSES NOTION THIS IS HIS LAST FRENCH OPEN: ‘DON’T ASSUME THAT'

"It’s difficult for me to talk," he said after saluting the crowd in French. "I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time that I’m going to be here in front of all of you. Honestly, I’m not 100% sure. But if it’s the last time, I enjoyed it. 

"The crowd has been amazing during the whole week of preparation and today. Yeah, the feelings I have today are