Rafael Nadal: Former stars believe Spaniard may not have played his last French Open match

Former tennis stars Mats Wilander, Alex Corretja and Tim Henman all think there is a chance Rafael Nadal could return to play the French Open again in 2025.

The trio believe Nadal will be encouraged by his performance in his defeat to Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros, with Henman declaring the Spaniard “can still do some damage.”

Nadal was beaten 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 by Zverev in a highly competitive opening round contest at the 2024 French Open on Monday in what may turn out to be his last match at Roland Garros.

The 37-year-old tennis icon had his chances against the world No 4, having served for the second set, led 2-0 in the third set and had 11 break points in total.

The 14-time French Open champion revealed he has most likely played at the Paris Grand Slam for the final time, but he also left the door open to returning next year.

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

Following the match, Corretja, a former world No 2 and two-time Roland Garros finalist, gave his thoughts on his countryman’s tennis future.

“I spoke to him a couple of months ago and he was sure he wouldn’t be back,” he told Eurosport. “But then I spoke to him a week ago, and he said to me it’s the first time I’ve been practising here at Roland Garros that I feel no pain.

“He said he felt so good on the court and that his tennis is growing and doesn’t see any reason why he can’t come back at least one more time.

“But he also said, it depends how I play. If I play awful against Zverev, maybe I won’t come back. But the way he played, I believe he will think, why not come back?”

Wilander, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, feels the upcoming Paris Olympics could be a great farewell tournament for Nadal, but suggested he still has a lot left to offer.

“Obviously the Olympics are huge and for him to have the chance to play here on Phillipe Chatrier is amazing and could be an unbelievable end to his career,” said the former world No 1.

“But I agree with Alex, he’s too competitive, he’s playing too good. I think he beats 90% of the draw today. There’s only a few guys that would beat him playing this well.

“And Zverev was the worst opponent possible in the first round, worse that playing Djokovic, worse than playing Alcaraz. Also the circumstances, it’s indoor, cold outside, the ball doesn’t travel.

“So I think all that, and still being so close, it’s all positive for Rafa. And with that passion, why not [come back]? He knows how to win big matches on this court.”

Former world No 4 Henman lauded Nadal’s mental approach to the sport and expressed his hope that the 22-time Grand Slam champion will continue playing.

“Uncle Toni said to him when he was a six-year-old you try your best on every shot on every point and you run after every ball until it’s bounced twice. He obviously took that on board for his professional career,” he reflected.

“There have been times when he’s been frustrated with a shot or with the umpire but it’s never affected him on the next point.

“That mental strength, mental fortitude is one the strongest attributes in all of sport and to see him out there playing with that passion and belief is so special for everyone to see. I’d love to see him back out there because Rafa Nadal can still do some damage.”

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

Six-time Major winner Boris Becker, however, feels Nadal has played his last match at the French Open.

“I believe that Rafa will still play the Olympics at Roland Garros,” Becker said. “But I don’t think he’ll play the French Open again in 2025.

“Of course he has emotions and probably had a sleepless night because he didn’t know whether it would be the last time. He wanted to say goodbye well.

“Then his opponent was Zverev, against whom he can lose even on a good day. That’s why it was emotionally very difficult for Nadal.”

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