Rafael Nadal not ready to 'close the door' on tennis career despite emotional send-off in French Open defeat

Rafael Nadal, the revered 'King of Clay', did not wish for a French Open farewell party, yet he received an impromptu one as he was defeated by Alexander Zverev in the first round at Roland Garros.

The 14-time champion was cheered on by a crowd that included family, friends, and fellow competitors at the venue of his most memorable victories.Coming into the tournament unseeded due to a lengthy injury layoff and still some distance from his best form, it was unfortunate for Nadal to encounter the world number four and title contender in the very first round.

Despite the odds, Nadal put up a valiant fight against the younger Zverev, ultimately succumbing 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 amidst the passionate support of the Philippe Chatrier spectators. Nadal had expressed to the event's officials last week his desire to avoid a retirement celebration, insisting he wasn't ready to "close the door" on returning to the Parisian grand slam.

However, it appeared that his wishes were overlooked. The stands behind the players' area were packed with tennis luminaries such as Carlos Alcaraz tipped to be Nadal's successor his long-standing adversary Novak Djokovic, and Iga Swiatek, the women's world number one and three-time winner.

Among the audience were also Nadal's spouse Xisca, who seldom attends his matches, their infant son Rafael Jr, and his uncles Toni Nadal's ex-coach and Miguel Angel, the former Spanish footballer. Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder accustomed to winning himself, was another notable figure taking in the match.

The audience were privileged enough to witness sparks of Nadal's former magnificence during the match his rapid-fire volley exchange in the opening set; a surprising drop shot from significantly behind the