After the match Nadal was sent off properly by the fans, who chanted his name for several minutes before he took the microphone to address them, and his future plans.
“The amount of feelings that I had on this amazing court during all my tennis career is just unbelievable,” Nadal said. “I never dreamed I would be here at almost 38 years old, with all the success I had here, winning so many times – it is something that I never dreamt of.
“For me it’s difficult to say what will happen in the future. It’s a big percentage that I won’t be back at Roland-Garros, but I can’t say 100 percent. I enjoy playing here, I like traveling with the family, and my body is feeling a little bit better than it did two months ago.”
For now, Nadal will look to continue testing himself against the best players in the world, with plans to be back in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games.
“I hope to be back on this court for the Olympics,” Nadal said with a smile. “That motivates me.”