Nadal: "All these memories have been a wonderful adventure. More than I ever dreamed of as a child.

© AFP

Guillaume Nonque

le 27/05/2024 à 18h39

3 min to read

Nadal Roland Garros Zverev

Rafael Nadal probably played his final French Open match against Alexander Zverev this Monday, May 27, 2024. Probably, because he hasn't ruled out the possibility of playing the tournament next year. It will certainly depend on how his body copes with the rest of the season. But the Spaniard nevertheless agreed to take the microphone (he didn't want an official ceremony) in front of a packed Court Philippe Chatrier. It was a moment of great emotion and deep respect for the man who has achieved the unthinkable feat of inscribing his name 14 times on the French Grand Slam trophy.

Rafael Nadal: "It's difficult for me to talk. I don't know if it was the last time I played here on Court Philippe Chatrier. Honestly, I'm not 100% sure. But if it was the last time, I really enjoyed it. The public were fantastic with me during the whole week of preparation, as they were today. The feelings I'm having today are hard to describe in words. But for me it's so special to feel people's love like this in the place I love most.

I must congratulate Sascha (Zverev) on this great match and on his title in Rome (10 days ago). I wish you all the best for the rest of the tournament. 2022 was a very difficult time for you (huge ankle sprain) and you deserve much better.

As I've already said, I've had two very difficult years in terms of injuries. I went through the whole process with the dream of coming back here to Roland-Garros. It's true that my 1st round draw wasn't ideal (laughs). I needed something more. I was competitive, I had my chances, but it wasn't enough against a great player like Sascha.

For me, it's hard to say what's going to happen in the future. The probability is high that I won't come back to play Roland Garros, but I can't say it's 100% certain. I love playing here, I'm traveling with my family and I'm enjoying myself. My body feels a bit better now than it did two months ago, so... Maybe in two months' time I'll say 'that's enough, I've got nothing left to give'. But that's something I don't feel right now.

I've got goals ahead of me. I hope to be back on this court for the Olympic Games. That's what motivates me, it'll be another opportunity and I really hope to be well prepared.

All the emotions I've felt on this fantastic court throughout my career are incredible. I couldn't have imagined, when I was a kid, that I'd be here at almost 28... well 38. I would have liked 28 (laughs). All this success, all these victories here, it's something I couldn't even dream of.

It's been a wonderful adventure, all these memories, every year has been different, but not one less special than the other. I can't thank enough all the people who have made this possible.

And you, the public in the stands, the emotions you've made me feel here are just unforgettable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I really hope to see you again, but I don't know. Thank you so much!"