Rafael Nadal reacts to Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz watching his French Open defeat

Rafael Nadal admitted he didn’t know he was being watched by an A-list tennis audience as his French Open story may well have come to an end as he lost in the first round against Alexander Zverev.

The 14-time champion, known as the ‘King of Clay’, was roared on by family, friends and rivals at the scene of his greatest triumphs, but they could not inspire him to beat the in-form Alexander Zverev.

Unseeded after his long injury absence and still way below the peak of his powers, Nadal was unfortunate to run into the in-form world number four in the opening round.

But Nadal gave the 27-year-old, 10 years his junior and a favourite for the title, a serious match before going down 6-3 7-6 (5) 6-3 in front of an adoring and emotional Philippe Chatrier crowd.

Among the onlookers were his long-time rival Novak Djokovic and his potential successor as the new king of Spanish tennis, and possibly clay courts as well, Carlos Alcaraz.

Women’s world No 1 Iga Swiatek was another interested spectator in the stands for what was the most eagerly anticipated first round match at a Grand Slam in memory.

When Nadal was told Djokovic and Alcaraz were among the fans looking on, he admitted he wasn’t surprised given the interest in his match against Zverev.

“I didn’t see them, but I think in some way it’s normal, no? I think if that’s the last time that I’m gonna be playing here and if I know that Novak is the last time playing in Wimbledon or in Australia and I was there, it’s normal,” said Nadal.

“I mean, happy that that happens, you know, because that means that I had a positive legacy here and positive legacy my career.

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal’s 4 French Open losses: Alexander Zverev 3rd man to beat Spaniard at Roland Garros

“I mean, these kind of rivals or young players that are here like Carlos that probably watch me on TV the most of his years that they are living (smiling), it’s normal that in some way they are interested to see how this is going to be, and especially in this particular place with all the history that I had behind, no?

“But yeah, I mean, happy that that happens, you know, because that means that I had a positive legacy here and positive legacy for my career, no? And that’s it.”

Nadal went on to reveal he is unlikely to play at Wimbledon, as he looks ahead to a potential final summer in tennis that could include an appearance at the Olympic Games.

“I mean, not bad feelings. I showed myself that I was ready for more than what I did at the end, that is, losing in the first round,” added Nadal.

“That’s how it is, no? When you are not seeded, you play against a player who is in great shape and is one of the best players of the world.

“As I said before, it was a positive week for me in practice in all ways. In terms of physical performance, too. Without a doubt I felt much better than before. I didn’t feel those limitations. Today in the match the same. I felt I was able to move myself much better than in the previous tournaments.

“I had a very tough opponent in front. And he played well, I think. Even like this, I had my chances, you know, with serving for the set in the second, then against another 15-40. In the third again a break up and then another 15-40 and 5-3 in the second to 15-30. I mean, I was not that far. That’s my feeling. That’s probably true.

“At the end, I was ready to build my game and my confidence day by day. But I didn’t have days of competition, because I faced a very tough opponent in front. Probably today I needed him not playing a great match.

“I played at a good level in all ways, comparing to the way that I was playing the weeks before. So, happy for that. Of course disappointed for losing, but in terms of body feelings, happy that I finish healthy, you know, and I had a tough battle out there. And I was ready for a little bit more.

“So that’s it. Accept the moment. If it’s the last time that I played here, I am at peace with myself.

“I tried everything to be ready for this tournament for almost 20 years. And today and the last two years I have been working and going through probably the toughest process in my tennis career with the dream to come back here, no? At least I did. I lost, but that’s part of the business.”