The man with fourteen titles at Roland-Garros was beaten 6-4 6-4, in just under two hours of play, by Botic van de Zandschulp (ATP 80) in his first official match since his defeat at the Olympic Games against Novak Djokovic.
Facing the Dutchman, “Rafa” was level for a long time before losing his faceoff at 4-4 in the first set. He was then broken at the start of the second set, then a third time to see van de Zandschulp lead 4-1. A last stand allowed him to erase one of these breaks, but he could do nothing when his opponent served for the match.
Carlos Alcaraz tried
Despite his efforts, Carlos Alcaraz did not succeed in extending the career of his illustrious elder a little further. The world No. 3 won his singles against Tallon Griekspoor, 7-6 (7/0) 6-3, but he suffered defeat in the decisive doubles alongside Marcel Granollers at the end of the evening. The pair Wesley Koolhof/Botic van de Zandschulp, victorious 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/3), brought the victory point to the Netherlands and effectively ended Rafael’s professional career Nadal.
Swiss
