Farewell performance? Not yet, but the Nadal show is nearing its finale

THIS was the beginning of the end, rather than a finite end itself for Rafael Nadal.

- Matt Majendie

Watched by fellow stars such as Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek, Nadal almost apologetically said he was not sure if his 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 defeat by world No4 Alexander Zverev would be his last at the French Open.

He will be back in Paris in late July, using his protected ranking of No10 to compete in both the singles and doubles at the Olympic Games.

It is unlikely, though, that a British audience will get an opportunity to bid him farewell, with Nadal hinting he plans to miss Wimbledon, which starts on July 1, in order to keep his focus on the clay for the Paris Games.