Rafael Nadal has crashed out of the French Open in the first round after a difficult draw against Alexander Zverev proved too much.
Nadal entered the French Open with many under the impression it was set to be his last.
That led to hopes of one final charge in the Roland Garros draw, but being unseeded meant he was at risk of a difficult opening match.
And they didn't come much tougher than world No 3 Zverev, who entered the French Open in great form having won the Italian Open.
Nadal called it a 'super-tough first round' match up and appeared fearful of losing his opening match at Roland Garros for the first time in his career.
Philippe-Chatrier was full to the brim by the time Nadal's match against Zverev started as the Spaniard was given a hero's welcome on court.
Every point won was met with huge cheers and every point lost led to loud sighs from the crowd.
Nadal lost his very first service game to start on the backfoot and struggled to trouble the German tennis star.
There were signs of the vintage Nadal on show at times, but they were few and far between as he lost the first set.
However, Nadal began to find some momentum in the second set and, after holding serve in a nervy fourth game, broke Zverev for the first time in the match.
He consolidated the break with an assured service game next, but Zverev eventually broke back in the 10th game to force a tiebreak.
Nadal had the crowd on the edge of their seat with some brilliant winners, but it was Zverev who once again managed to get over the line to take a crucial 2-0 lead.
More to follow...
