'We all wanted to get a glimpse': Novak Djokovic opens up on attending Rafael Nadal's opening match
'We all wanted to get a glimpse': Novak Djokovic opens up on attendance in Rafael Nadal's opening match
It could be curtains on Rafael Nadal’s French Open career after the star attraction bowed out of the tournament on Monday (May 27) after he lost to Alexander Zverev. Nadal, potentially playing in his last French Open, was watched by many stars on Monday as he lost in straight sets to Olympic champion Zverev. One of the stars present at Court Philippe Chatrier was three-time champion Novak Djokovic whoopened up on his attendanceafter his opening round win over Hugues Herbert.
Djokovic opens up Nadal match
"It was great. Iga (Swiatek) was there, (Carlos) Alcaraz was there, and we all wanted to get a glimpse of the atmosphere of that possibly unique moment that could be his last. But it doesn't appear like that," said Djokovic after making the second round on Tuesday.
In a rather unusual incident, despite having a busy schedule, a set of star names was in attendance at the Nadal-Zverev match. This included Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz along with Djokovic while former women’s champion Iga Swiatek also came to watch the King of Clay. Footballer Rodri who represents Manchester City in the Premier League was also in attendance to watch his countryman play in Paris.
Djokovic remained optimistic on Nadal’s return to the French Open in 2025 and suggested that he played a better match against Zverev despite losing in straight sets.
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"I think he played very well. Even though he lost in straight sets, the second and third were really close.
"He could have easily won one of those two sets, and maybe the match was going in a different direction,” Djokovic added.
It will be interesting to see whether Nadal, who turns 38 next week could make his return to the French Open courts in 2025. However, he did mention that it is likely he could play in the Paris Olympics with tennis taking place at Stade Roland Garros.