In France, the conversation around a tough first-round upset at Roland Garros carried weight beyond the scoreboard. Russian Tennis Federation vice president Alexey Selivanenko spoke with German player Alexander Zverev, reflecting on Rafael Nadal’s victory over him, and offered insights into Nadal’s sustained excellence. The remarks were shared as part of the ongoing discussion around the tournament and the players involved. (Source: Sports Express)
Selivanenko expressed a clear view on Nadal’s preparation and mindset. He noted that Rafael Nadal does not rely on external coaching to shape his game. Nadal stands among the sport’s all-time greats, a figure who can continue competing at the highest level as long as the passion for the game remains. The performance Nadal delivered in that match, Selivanenko argued, showed high levels of skill and focus given the circumstances of the moment. (Source: Sports Express)
The match itself extended over three hours and a few minutes, concluding in three sets with scores of 3:6, 6:7 (5:7), 3:6. Nadal did not secure a victory in this particular contest, marking a setback in one of the sport’s most storied rivalries. (Source: Sports Express)
Rafael Nadal’s Roland Garros record remains extraordinary. He has claimed the event title 14 times, making the French Open the most successful Grand Slam competition of his career. Across all singles Grand Slam events, Nadal has accumulated 22 major victories, reinforcing his status among the sport’s elite. He also holds the rare distinction of achieving a career Golden Slam, having won all four Grand Slam tournaments and Olympic gold in singles over the course of his career. (Source: Sports Express)
The post-match dialogue also touched on Nadal’s career trajectory. Nadal himself has clarified his plans for the future, signaling a thoughtful approach to his continued presence on the tour. The comments underscored a broader narrative about longevity in tennis and the evolving strategies players use to maintain peak performance as they age. (Source: Sports Express)