"I'd heard from all sides that he was the next big thing": First French Open opponent for Nadal looks back 18 years on, now working as a radiologist

Rafael Nadal's first Roland Garros opponent ever recalled playing against him at the 2005 event and losing to him following Nadal's recent withdrawal from this year's event.

Rafael Nadal made his first appearance at Roland Garros back in 2005 and that was the start of a journey that would see him win the event 14 times. He won't be getting number 15 this year as he withdrew from the event due to a hip injury sustained earlier this year. His opponent in the first match at RG ever, recalled the match:

"Let's just say I'd heard from all sides that he was the next big thing. Of course, at such a big tournament you hope for an easier draw, especially at the beginning. At the moment when I lost the match, you can see why I wasn't so excited."

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Lars Burgsmuller was a 29-year-old tennis player at the time ranked 96 in the world though. He didn't really have a chance in the match as Nadal cruised 6-1 7-6 6-1. He further admitted that he was surprised to see him go all the way despite witnessing his talents up close:

"I felt that he was playing well and would have a great future, but that he would go from 0 to 100 so quickly and win the French Open, I honestly did not expect that. I don't know if he expected it himself or if anyone else did."

Asked how it was to play Nadal, he said:

"It makes no difference whether it's 0:0 or later on... he plays the first ball just like the last ball. You have the feeling you have to win every rally three times to get the point. I caught myself in moments where I thought 'OK, I've got the point', and then somehow he gets it past you -- and it really hurts you.  That's his strength, even from difficult situations from the corners to somehow hit fantastic balls anywhere on the court."