"Today isn't my moment, it's Rafa's": Alexander Zverev lost for words in defeating Rafael Nadal for likely final time at Roland Garros

Alexander Zverev is through to the second round at the 2024 French Open as he took down Rafael Nadal potentially for the final time as the Spaniard ponders whether he will return in 2025.

For Zverev though, it wasn't his moment he said and it is all about Nadal. He was left lost for words in lauding the 14-time champion and said that he wasn't going to speak much as a result. He sealed the win 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 and will next play on Wednesday after having the eyes of the sporting world on this tie for the past week.

The fourth seed in Paris gained some revenge though despite not looking seeing it that way for two years ago when he heartbreakingly lost in the semi-finals of the French Open to Nadal. Back then he suffered an ankle injury when it looked like he was going to win.

This put him on the shelf for a long period of time and now he returns two years later as one of the favourites for the tournament. But it was more the achievements of Nadal and potentially dealing out a final win that were the main thoughts of Zverev today.

“To be honest I don’t know what to say. Thank you Rafa from all of the tennis world. It’s such a great honor. I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood. I was lucky enough to play him as a pro. Lucky enough to play him twice on this beautiful court. I don’t know what to say. Today isn’t my moment. It’s Rafa’s. I’m not gonna speak much. Thank you.”