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Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, was given a heartfelt farewell at Roland Garros, celebrating his record 14 French Open titles. Joined by rivals Djokovic, Federer, and Murray, Nadal reflected on his legendary career in an unforgettable ceremony.

Roland Garros pays 'unforgettable' tribute to retired 'King of Clay' Nadal

Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, was given a heartfelt farewell at Roland Garros, celebrating his record 14 French Open titles. Joined by rivals Djokovic, Federer, and Murray, Nadal reflected on his legendary career in an unforgettable ceremony.

Rafael Nadal was given a rousing reception as the 'King of Clay' stepped onto Court Philippe Chatrier for the final time on Sunday in an "unforgettable" ceremony to celebrate his career at the French Open.
The 38-year-old, who retired from tennis last November, was serenaded by the Roland Garros crowd, with spectators wearing different coloured t-shirts to create the message "14 RG, Rafa".
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🥹🧡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RolandGarros?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RolandGarros</a> <a href="https://t.co/8HNClLCUe7">pic.twitter.com/8HNClLCUe7</a>
&mdash; Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1926704851360055796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 25, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
Nadal dominated the French Open after winning on debut as a teenager in 2005, lifting the trophy a record-breaking 14 times.
The Spaniard finished with a remarkable 112-4 win-loss record at the clay-court Grand Slam.
He last won the title in 2022 and played his final match on the Paris clay last year when he was defeated by Alexander Zverev in the first round.
"I don't know how to start... I've been playing on this court for 20 years. I suffered, I won, I lost. I have lived many emotions here on this court," an emotional Nadal told the crowd after watching a video of his career highlights at Roland Garros.
Nadal's family and friends watched from the player's box, along with many of his former coaching staff, including his uncle Toni.
"It has been unforgettable, plenty of emotions for a guy like me that doesn't love these kind of things because I'm still a little bit shy for all this stuff," Nadal told reporters.
"I don't like a lot to be the centre of attention for these things. It was enough when I was playing tennis. But I enjoyed it, honestly. I suffered a little bit with the emotions, but I enjoyed a lot."
 - Old rivals pay tribute -
Nadal's long-time rivals Novak Djokovic, fresh from winning his 100th ATP title on Saturday, Roger Federer and Andy Murray all joined him on the main Chatrier court.
The trio walked out after Nadal's speech to greet their fellow former world number one, to a deafening roar from the fans.
"To have my three biggest rivals there on the court with me meant a lot," Nadal said of the other members of the 'Big Four'.
"At the same time, it's a great message for the world, I think, that best rivals, the toughest rivals probably in the history of our sport are able to be good colleagues, to respect each other.
"You don't need to hate the opponent to try to beat him with all your force. And that's the message that I think we showed people, we showed the new generations, and in some way that's our legacy."
Nadal hung up his racquet following the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, initially denying him an opportunity to wave goodbye to his adoring fans in Paris.
His tally of 14 victories at a single Grand Slam appears unlikely to be beaten, with Margaret Court's 11 Australian Open titles second on the all-time list.
Nadal was presented with a special trophy commemorating his French Open record, with a mark of his footprint carved into the clay.
"I didn't know anything about the ceremony," Nadal said.
"Only thing that I knew before going there was going to be video when I go on, then gonna be my speech, and then gonna be a couple of surprises.
"Then when I see that, I thought it was going to be just for this year. Knowing that's going to be forever there, it's a present that I can't describe in words."
The 22-time Grand Slam champion received a send-off after his final match at the Davis Cup, but French tennis federation chief Gilles Moretton said earlier this year that "the tribute was not, in my opinion, what it should have been".
He said he had gone to visit Nadal at his home in December along with Roland Garros tournament director Amelie Mauresmo to discuss plans for Sunday's ceremony.

He believes the quick turnaround from clay to grass and back again means he is almost certain not to return to the scene of his 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon triumphs.

Watch: Rafael Nadal unlikely to play Wimbledon ahead of Paris Olympics plans 

He believes the quick turnaround from clay to grass and back again means he is almost certain not to return to the scene of his 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon triumphs.

Rafael Nadal has all but ruled himself out of competing at Wimbledon next month.
The 37-year-old Spaniard bid an emotional au revoir to the French Open on Monday after losing in the first round to Alexander Zverev.
Nadal, a 14-time winner at Roland Garros, plans to be back in Paris for this summer's Olympic Games and has not entirely ruled out a return next year.
But he believes the quick turnaround from clay to grass and back again means he is almost certain not to return to the scene of his 2008 and 2010 Wimbledon triumphs.
"It looks difficult, honestly," he said. "For me now I can't confirm what's going on, but it looks difficult to make a transition to grass, having the Olympics again on clay.
"So I cannot confirm anything. I need to talk with team. I need to analyse so many facts.
"But I don't think it's going to be smart after all the things that happened to my body to now make a big transition to a completely different surface and then come back immediately to clay.
"Today I feel that's not a good idea, but I can't confirm. But my feeling is even if I am booked in Wimbledon because I had to, I don't think it's a positive idea right now."
Unseeded after his long injury absence and still way below the peak of his powers, Nadal was unfortunate to run into the in-form world number four Zverev in the opening round at Roland Garros.
But Nadal gave the 27-year-old, 10 years his junior and a favourite for the title, a serious match before going down 6-3 7-6 (5) 6-3 in front of an adoring and emotional Philippe Chatrier crowd.
The Spaniard had told tournament organisers last week that he did not want a farewell ceremony as he would not "close the door" on a return to the Paris showpiece.
So Nadal's astonishing Roland Garros record now reads played 116, won 112, as Zverev added his name to Djokovic and Robin Soderling as the only players to beat him here.

After more than a year away from the circuit, Rafa returned, probably just to say his final goodbye.

Rafael Nadal's Heartbreaking French Open Exit: The End of an Era in Tennis History

After more than a year away from the circuit, Rafa returned, probably just to say his final goodbye.

Tennis has long awaited this poignant moment, preparing for a farewell that will forever alter the landscape of the sport.&nbsp;
It is May 2024, and the entire tennis community holds its breath, anticipating that final serve, that decisive point, and for all we know, we have witnessed it on Paris' iconic Philippe Chatrier Court.
Rafael Nadal, the undisputed King of Clay, returned to his realm with the weight of millions of hopes and dreams on his shoulders, including his own.&nbsp;
His illustrious career has been a spectacle of greatness, but its decline has been equally heartbreaking. Nadal's chronic left foot injury has plagued him throughout his sporting life, compounded by a hip injury in later stages.&nbsp;
Now, after more than a year away from the circuit, he returned, probably just to say his final goodbye.
Two years after we bid farewell to Roger Federer, we now prepare to part with his greatest rival and most formidable adversary. What better stage for this than Nadal's beloved Grand Slam?
May is synonymous with the unparalleled victories of Rafael Nadal. Yet this year, the scales did not tip in his favor, reminiscent of his first appearance in Paris in 2005.&nbsp;
Nineteen years apart, Nadal was not favored to win back then, and he was never the favourite in 2024.
Back in 2005, he was a teenager, dismantling opponents with ease, even defeating then top seed Roger Federer in the semifinals. Just two days after his 19th birthday, Rafael Nadal made his grand entrance into the tennis world with a four-set victory over Argentina's Mariano Puerta in the French Open final.&nbsp;
It marked the beginning of his record 22 Grand Slam titles and 14 French Open victories, heralding the birth of a legend.
Fast forward to 2024, Nadal was an unseeded 14-time winner, a situation that seems almost surreal. Due to his prolonged absence from the ATP Tour, he dropped to 275th in the world rankings. In a Grand Slam draw, this meant he could face the biggest names in the draw.
And so it was, Nadal faced World No. 4 Alexander Zverev in the opening round on May 27. Under normal circumstances at Roland Garros, Nadal would have been expected to triumph easily. However, with his injuries and time away from the sport, he started as the underdog. Fans were hopeful but realistic, acknowledging that a victory from Nadal wasn't going to happen.
This mundane Monday became one of the most significant days in tennis history, marking an uncharacteristic first-round exit and in all likelihood, ended one of the greatest careers in sports.
A curtain is gradually falling on the era of the Big Three. Federer has been a spectator since 2022, Nadal's on the verge, and 24-time Major winner Novak Djokovic is struggling to find his form.&nbsp;
Since his ATP Finals triumph in November 2023, Djokovic has yet to win a title halfway into 2024, summing up his French Open plans as "low expectations and high hopes."
If Djokovic faces another disappointing campaign, he will lose his World No. 1 ranking to Jannik Sinner, who denied him his 10th Australian Open title earlier in 2024. The tennis world order is in flux, and the next generation is poised to take over.
Nostalgia and admiration filled the air as we witnessed Rafael Nadal's final chapter. His legacy is as inimitable as his historic feats in the sports lore.&nbsp;

The announcement comes hours after Nadal revealed that the ongoing edition of the clay-court Grand Slam will not be his last.

Roland Garros organisers cancel farewell ceremony for Rafael Nadal | French Open

The announcement comes hours after Nadal revealed that the ongoing edition of the clay-court Grand Slam will not be his last.

The organisers of Roland Garros have cancelled a pre-planned farewell ceremony for 14-time winner Rafael Nadal.&nbsp; The announcement comes hours after Nadal revealed that the ongoing edition of the clay-court Grand Slam might not be his last.
Tournament director Am&eacute;lie Mauresmo said Sunday, Day 1 of the clay-court Grand Slam event, that Nadal let officials know he didn't want to close the door on a return before he told the world that at a pre-tournament news conference.
News agency AP quoted Mauresmo as quoting, 'As you can imagine, we had something planned for him. But ... because he doesn't know if it's going to be his last Roland Garros or not, he wants to leave the door open maybe to come back next year as a player. So we are not going to push him, obviously, to do anything.'&nbsp; Though Nadal expects this to be his last year in tennis, he said, 'Maybe the last one, maybe not,' adding that he doesn't want to create confusion regarding his choice.&nbsp; Mauresmo added, 'It's his decision when he wants to have a proper ceremony, a proper goodbye, a proper farewell. So we're not going to do it this year. That's his wish.'&nbsp; French Open were ready to bid him goodbye this year as well but Mauresmo stated it is upto the former world no. 1 what he decides to do and said, 'We are ready whenever he feels he wants to do it. Later this year; next year; anytime he wants.'&nbsp; Nadal will take on Alexander Zverev in the opening round on Monday.

If this is to be Nadal’s final French Open, the 14-time champion hopes that people associated with the clay court Grand Slam will feel ‘happy’ to see him again in the future.

Rafael Nadal prepares to say farewell to French Open

As Rafael Nadal bids to say farewell to French Open, this is what the 14-time Roland Garros champion wants to be remembered as.

<h2>If this is to be Nadal&rsquo;s final French Open, the 14-time champion hopes that people associated with the clay court Grand Slam will feel &lsquo;happy&rsquo; to see him again in the future.</h2>

Rafael Nadal said he wants to be remembered as a &lsquo;good person&rsquo; above all else, as he bids to say farewell to Roland Garros.
If this is to be Nadal&rsquo;s final French Open, the 14-time champion hopes that people associated with the clay court Grand Slam will feel &lsquo;happy&rsquo; to see him again in the future.
"When I come back to the tournament, the people who are inside the tournament, the people who are on the tour (ATP), feels happy to watch me again. That's the thing, you did the things well, and you have a good relationship with, the people who really knows the players."
"Because, I mean, you can fake the crowd, you can fake the people who don't know you, very well for, for a while, because at the end of the day, they are not, inside the locker room, but the people who are inside the tournaments, that, see you every single day, then the people who really knows who you are personally you know. So I want to be a remembered, more or less like, like a good person," Rafa stated.
The 38-year-old has been reflecting on his success in Paris as he bids to return to his favourite event for the first time since 2022.
Hip and abdominal muscle injuries have limited Nadal to 20 matches over the past 20 months, after he missed nearly all of 2023 with injury.
The Spaniard returned in April, but in three places he's won a total of 27 titles &mdash; Barcelona, Madrid, Rome &mdash; Nadal made it no further than the fourth round anywhere and is now unseeded at Roland Garros.
Nadal opens his bid for a record 15th title with a first-round match against German fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

The Nadal-Zverev winner could be on a path toward a potential semifinal meeting against No. 1 seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic, whose opening opponent is French wild-card entry Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Rafael Nadal to face Alexander Zverev in the opening round of French Open

The Nadal-Zverev winner could be on a path toward a potential semifinal meeting against No. 1 seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic, whose opening opponent is French wild-card entry Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Rafael Nadal is in the French Open field, after all, and Thursday's draw set up the 14-time champion for a challenging first-round matchup against No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev.
&ldquo;That's going to be hard, but he is a warrior," tournament director Am&eacute;lie Mauresmo said. "Anything is possible with Rafa.&rdquo; This is expected to be Nadal's last appearance at Roland Garros, and he had been coy about whether he would compete this time after two seasons of off-and-on action because of injuries, including a surgically repaired hip that forced him to miss his favourite tournament a year ago.
After a loss at the Italian Open this month, Nadal said he needed to think about whether to play in Paris. But the Spaniard, who turns 38 on June 3, has been practising on the red clay at Roland Garros this week and his name was officially in the bracket.
The French Open begins on Sunday.
The Nadal-Zverev winner could be on a path toward a potential semifinal meeting against No. 1 seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic, whose opening opponent is French wild-card entry Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
The potential men's quarterfinals are Djokovic against No. 7 Casper Ruud &mdash; who lost to Nadal in the 2022 final and 24-time major champion Djokovic in 2023 final &mdash; and Zverev or Nadal against No. 5 Daniil Medvedev in the top half of the bracket, and No. 2 Jannik Sinner against No. 8 Hubert Hurkacz, and No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz versus No. 6 Andrey Rublev in the bottom half.
In the women's draw, one intriguing semifinal could be No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who seeks a third consecutive French Open title, against No. 3 Coco Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open champion who lost to Swiatek in the Paris final two years ago.
&ldquo;I'm starting to really feel at home here,&rdquo; Swiatek said at the draw ceremony.
She will start off against someone who was in the qualifying rounds and then could face four-time major champion and former No. 1 Naomi Osaka.
The possible women's quarterfinals are Swiatek vs. No. 5 Marketa Vondrousova, Gauff vs. No. 8 Ons Jabeur on the top half, and No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka vs. No. 6 Maria Sakkari, and No. 4 Elena Rybakina vs. No. 7 Zheng Qinwen on the bottom half.
Despite all of the success Nadal has enjoyed at the event &mdash; his career record there is 112-3 &mdash; the French tennis federation decided not to go against its usual rules that follow the ATP and WTA rankings to determine seedings.
So the 22-time major champion's inactivity-affected ranking of No. 276 left him unseeded &mdash; which meant Nadal could be selected in the computerized, random draw to face any opponent to start. His matchup against Zverev, the 2020 U.S. Open runner-up and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, is a rematch of their 2022 French Open semifinal that ended when Zverev tore ligaments in his right ankle.
Zverev, a 27-year-old from Germany, enters Roland Garros as a serious contender for what would be his first major title, coming off a trophy at the Italian Open on clay.
He's drawn attention lately for a serious matter away from tennis: A court proceeding is scheduled to begin next week in Germany related to accusations of physical abuse made by an ex-girlfriend of his. Zverev does not need to attend and has said he won't.
Another high-profile first-round matchup pits a pair of three-time Grand Slam champions against each other: Andy Murray, who just turned 37, versus Stan Wawrinka, who is 39. First-rounders to keep an eye on also include Australian Open runner-up Zheng against popular French veteran Aliz&eacute; Cornet, who has said she will retire after the French Open, and two-time major finalist Karolina Pliskova against No. 15 seed Elina Svitolina, a three-time Grand Slam semifinalist.
One expected withdrawal was announced Thursday: fifth-ranked Jessica Pegula, an American who has reached six major quarterfinals.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/ipl/r-ashwin-says-ipl-2024-has-seen-high-scores-due-to-batters-ability-not-impact-player-rule-1716457053546">R Ashwin says IPL 2024 has seen high scores due to batters' ability, not Impact Player rule</a>

His recent loss in his second match at the Italian Open against Hubert Hurkacz left Nadal unsure about whether he would consider himself ready for the French Open.

Rafael Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over his fitness and form

His recent loss in his second match at the Italian Open against Hubert Hurkacz left Nadal unsure about whether he would consider himself ready for the French Open.

Rafael Nadal returned to Roland Garros on Monday to practice and try to figure out whether to compete at the French Open, a tournament he has won a record 14 times.
The 37-year-old Spaniard showed up late in the afternoon with his coach, Carlos Moya, and a couple of sparring partners at Court Philippe Chatrier, which was open to the public.
About 6,000 fans were there at the French Open's main stadium, cheering loudly as Nadal stepped onto the court. After the practice, which lasted about an hour and a half, Nadal signed several autographs before disappearing through a doorway and into a tunnel that led toward the locker rooms.
The training session gave Nadal a chance to reacquaint himself with the red clay at Roland Garros &mdash; he hasn't played a match there in two years &mdash; and test his fitness.
The tournament begins on Sunday and it remains uncertain if Nadal will enter.
He is still regaining his match readiness after missing nearly all of 2023 with a hip injury that required surgery, and much of this season because of problems with a hip muscle and an abdominal muscle.
His recent loss in his second match at the Italian Open against Hubert Hurkacz left Nadal unsure about whether he would consider himself ready for the French Open.
&ldquo;Let's see what's going on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow, and in one week,&rdquo; Nadal said in Rome. &ldquo;If I feel ready, I (am) going to try to be there and fight for the things that I have been fighting (for) the last 15 years, (even) if now (that) seems impossible.&rdquo; As of Monday, Nadal still had not announced whether or not he would play in Paris. This is expected to be his final season on tour &mdash; and so this would be his final appearance at a tournament he has won more times than any other tennis player has won any Grand Slam title.
He won the French Open in 2022 for his 22nd major championship overall, which ranks second among men to Novak Djokovic's 24.
Nadal missed the French Open last year because of the hip.
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Addressing the press after his match, Nadal asserted that he will try to be there at the Roland Garros in two weeks' time. 


Watch: Rafael Nadal steadfast about playing at French Open after Rome exit

Addressing the press after his match, Nadal asserted that he will try to be there at the Roland Garros in two weeks' time.&nbsp;

Another clay-court event bid farewell to Rafael Nadal after his second round exit at the Rome Masters on Saturday.&nbsp; Nadal lost to Poland's Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets 1-6, 3-6 but the defeat did not deter the Spaniard from remaining steadfast on his goal for the rest of the season.&nbsp; Addressing the press after his match, Nadal asserted that he will try to be there at the Roland Garros in two weeks' time.&nbsp; 'If in my mind, if it's closer one way or the other way, I going to say, be in Roland-Garros and try my best. Of course, physically, I have some issues. But, not probably yet enough to say not playing in the most important event of my tennis career,' Nadal said.&nbsp; He added, 'So let's see what's going on, how I feel myself mentally tomorrow, after tomorrow and then one week and if I feel ready, I'm going to try to be there and fight for for the things that I have been fighting the last 15 years. If (I decide) now seems impossible.'&nbsp; The 37-year-old has won the French Open fourteen times in his career, a record unmatched across Grand Slams.&nbsp; Nadal is expected to retire from tennis sometime in 2024.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal, a record 10-time champion at Rome, concluded his remarkable journey at the Italian Open with an impressive 70-9 win-loss record.

Rome Masters: Hubert Hurkacz ends Rafael Nadal’s reign; Iga Swiatek advances at Italian Open

Rafael Nadal, a record 10-time champion at Rome, concluded his remarkable journey at the Italian Open with an impressive 70-9 win-loss record.

At the Italian Open, a stunning upset unfolded when Hubert Hurkacz delivered a masterful performance to defeat Rafael Nadal in the second round on Saturday. Hurkacz, seeded seventh, secured a commanding 6-1, 6-3 victory, marking an end to Nadal's prestigious tenure at the Rome ATP Masters 1000.
Nadal, a record 10-time champion at this venue, concluded his remarkable journey in Rome with an impressive 70-9 win-loss record. The Spanish tennis legend showed resilience in his opening match, overcoming Zizou Bergs in a challenging three-setter. Despite starting strong against Hurkacz, Nadal found himself unable to halt the momentum of the formidable Polish player. Throughout the match, Hurkacz demonstrated exceptional skill, successfully defending all seven break points against him, showcasing why he is considered one of the tough competitors on the tour.
In contrast to the men&rsquo;s singles upset, the women&rsquo;s singles tournament saw world number one Iga Swiatek smoothly advance to the fourth round. Swiatek, coming off her recent victory in Madrid, overcame a challenging match against Yulia Putintseva, winning 6-3, 6-4. The Polish star found herself trailing 4-1 in the second set but rallied to secure her eighth consecutive win.
Swiatek, a two-time champion in Rome, is on a quest to capture her third title at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia. Her aim is to achieve a rare feat, potentially becoming only the third player in history to win both the Rome and Madrid titles in the same season.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Nadal was playing only his 10th match this year after missing nearly all of 2023 with a hip injury that required surgery

Rafael Nadal comes back from a set down to win Rome opener

10-time Italian Open champion Rafael Nadal came from a set down to defeat Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round in Rome on Thursday

<h2>Nadal was playing only his 10th match this year after missing nearly all of 2023 with a hip injury that required surgery</h2>

For a brief stretch on Thursday, Rafael Nadal looked every bit of a weary 37-year-old player nearing retirement.
Struggling to produce pace off both sides with his groundstrokes, committing an uncharacteristically high number of unforced errors and unable to stay in rallies, Nadal dropped the first set of his first-round match at the Italian Open against Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs.
Then the fist-pumping, virtually-unbeatable-on-clay, 22-time Grand Slam champion version of Nadal emerged and the Spaniard rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory before an adoring crowd in what will likely be his final tournament at the Foro Italico.
Nadal was playing only his 10th match this year after missing nearly all of 2023 with a hip injury that required surgery. He's hoping to be competitive one last time at the French Open, where he is the record 14-time champion.
&ldquo;That was not my best match. I was practicing better than how I played today, without a doubt. But I found a way to win," Nadal said. &ldquo;My game is more unpredictable than before. I didn't play much tennis for the last two years. So I'm up and down, on and off, but I think I can do it much better than what I did today.&rdquo; Rome, where he is a record 10-time champion, is Nadal's last big warmup tournament before Roland Garros starts on May 26.
Nadal noted that after overcoming his hip and abdominal issues, the time has come &ldquo;to prove myself if I am able to push my body to the limit that I need to push to feel myself ready for what's coming." &ldquo;I am not talking only about Roland Garros. I am talking about the next match. I need to lose this fear,&rdquo; Nadal said. &ldquo;Matches like today help. Some moments I was moving faster. Some moments not. I need to get used to that, to take that risk. &hellip; I feel more ready to try it than before.&rdquo; During his 70th win in the Italian capital, the Campo Centrale crowd serenaded Nadal with chants of: &ldquo;Ole, Ole, Ole, Na-dal, Na-dal.&rdquo; &ldquo;I've always been emotional to play here, these kind of events are the most important events in my tennis career," Nadal said. "The crowd has been always amazing with me, supporting me since the beginning of my tennis career. So I'm super excited to be able to play one more time here.&rdquo; Nadal was coming off a straight-set loss to 31st-ranked Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round of the Madrid Open. But he has never lost consecutive matches on clay in his entire career and now that impressive statistic remains intact during what he has indicated is his final season on tour.
Nadal got out to a strong start, unleashing a 95 mph (153 kph) forehand winner en route to an early break and a 3-1 lead in the first set. But he gave the break right back in the next game when he missed three weak groundstrokes into the net.
Then at 4-4, Nadal double-faulted twice and was broken again to give the 108th-ranked Bergs a 5-4 lead and a chance to serve out the set.
In the first set, Nadal committed 16 unforced errors to Bergs' 10.
During the first game of the second set, the match was briefly suspended when a spectator in the stands required medical treatment. That allowed Nadal to chat with Carlos Moya, his coach.
After the 10-minute suspension of play, Nadal raced out to a 3-0 lead in the second set as he upped the power on his shots and became more aggressive.
During the third set, Nadal managed to win a point after he fell to the red clay, quickly getting up to resume the rally and then producing a delicate drop-shot winner. Then he blasted a forehand cross-court winner to break for a 3-1 lead and unleashed a double-clutch fist pump.
There were more fist pumps when Nadal rallied from 0-40 on his serve to hold for a 4-2 lead in the third.
Nadal's mother and sister sitting behind the court shouted encouragement and his 1-year-old son was also court-side &mdash; sitting on the lap of Nadal's father.
The Nadal family can now look forward to a second-round matchup with seventh-seeded Hubert Hurkacz. Top-ranked Novak Djokovic is on the opposite side of the draw, while second-ranked Jannik Sinner and third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz both withdrew because of injuries.
In other matches, Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic beat Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-2; Thiago Seboth Wild defeated French qualifier Gregoire Barrere 6-4, 6-2; and Dominik Koepfer eliminated Andrea Vavassori 6-4, 6-3.
Two former top-ranked women eliminated seeded players. Naomi Osaka beat 19th-seeded Marta Kostyuk 6-3, 6-2 in a match that was suspended for about an hour because of rain, and Angelique Kerber ousted 17th-seeded Veronika Kudermetova 6-3, 6-0.

Nadal is hoping to be competitive one last time at Roland Garros, where he is the record 14-time champion

Rafael Nadal's clay game is rounding into form ahead of French Open

Rafael Nadal's clay-court form is slowly rounding into shape. Here is what the 22-time Grand Slam champions said ahead of Rome campaign

<h2>Nadal is hoping to be competitive one last time at Roland Garros, where he is the record 14-time champion</h2>

Rafael Nadal's clay-court form is slowly rounding into shape.
Not that nearly invincible shape that the tennis world grew accustomed to over the past two decades. But a shape that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is starting to feel good about as he prepares to play what will likely be his final French Open.
&ldquo;It's a good moment, even if the results are not what (they) used to be,&rdquo; Nadal said at the Italian Open on Wednesday. &ldquo;But I am increasing my feeling, my level. &hellip; I want to keep going.&rdquo; The 37-year-old Nadal, who has indicated that this will be his final year on tour, has played only nine matches this year after missing nearly all of 2023 due to a hip injury that required surgery.
But he's coming off his most encouraging performance of the year, having put together three straight wins at the Madrid Open last week before losing in straight sets to 31st-ranked Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round.
Before Madrid, he won only one match in Barcelona.
&ldquo;The line is going up, without a doubt,&rdquo; Nadal said, making a gesture with his hand to demonstrate his improvement. &ldquo;Happy to be today where I am because one month ago for me was almost impossible to think that I will be able to play in Barcelona, then in Madrid, and now being here in Rome. &hellip; Things are happening.
&ldquo;All the matches are tough for me today and difficult and more unpredictable than what the matches used to be for me, especially on clay,&rdquo; Nadal added. &ldquo;I accept that role. I accept that challenge. I am excited about the way that I can be able to play if I keep working the proper way and my body allows me.
Nadal is hoping to be competitive one last time at Roland Garros, where he is the record 14-time champion. Rome is his last big warm-up tournament before the clay-court Grand Slam starts on May 26.
&ldquo;First of all, I want to play Rome. That's the tournament that I am (at) today. I don't think after that,&rdquo; said Nadal, who had his 1-year-old son courtside for his practice sessions at the Foro Italico this week.
Nadal's opening match in Rome is scheduled for Thursday against Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs, who is ranked No. 108.
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, who is also back in Rome after a month out, is on the opposite half of the draw from Nadal. But second-ranked Jannik Sinner and third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz both withdrew because of injuries.
Nadal has won the Italian Open a record 10 times and he rated his first two titles at the Foro Italico as his most memorable: five-set victories over Guillermo Coria and Roger Federer in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Starting in 2007, the Rome final was switched to a best-of-three sets format.
&ldquo;Most of (the) important moments of tennis have been playing in matches best-of-five because at the end of the day that makes the matches more emotional, more dramatic, the people get more involved,&rdquo; Nadal said. &ldquo;Those amazing battles that are part of the history of our sport.
&ldquo;It's true that I won 10 times here. But if you tell me my memories, for me I'm much more fresh the memories of the first two victories in five sets against Coria and against Roger than the other (titles). Even if I had amazing, good matches against Novak, against great players,&rdquo; Nadal added. &ldquo;But that's what I think the people remember more.&rdquo;

Nadal spoke after the match and said he was "very happy" and thanked those who have helped him in his career, before adding "It hasn't finished yet."

Watch: Madrid Open honours 5-time champion Rafael Nadal as he bows out in Round of 16

Nadal spoke after the match and said he was "very happy" and thanked those who have helped him in his career, before adding "It hasn't finished yet."

Rafael Nadal's spirited run at his final Madrid Masters came to an end on Tuesday when Jiri Lehecka defeated the 37-year-old in a 7-5 6-4 straight sets.
The Czech was able to wear the 22-time Grand Slam champion down before breaking late in the opening set, followed by taking control early in the second as he struck 33 winners en route to the quarter-finals.
30th seed Lehecka will face third seed Daniil Medvedev for a place in the semi finals.
Following the match, a ceremony took place which celebrated the previous success the Spaniard has had at the tournament, as five banners - one for each year he has won the title - were unfurled before a tribute video was played to those inside Manolo Santana.
He was also presented with a commemorative trophy by Gerard Tsobanian, CEO, and Feliciano Lopez, Director of the Madrid Open.
Nadal spoke after the match and said he was "very happy" and thanked those who have helped him in his career, before adding "It hasn't finished yet."
He is likely to retire later this year but the 'King of Clay' is due to appear at the Rome Masters next week in the hope of gaining some form and fitness for the French Open, the Grand Slam he has won 14-times.
Earlier this week Nadal's outlook was gloomy and admitted he wouldn't be making an appearance at Roland Garros in his current physical condition, however with three wins at Caja Magica, including one against 10th seed Alex de Minaur, the former world number one can feel optimistic he can compete at his favourite tournament.

Nadal cruised through the first set but lost a scrappy second in a tie-break before eventually sealing a 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-3 victory in a little more than three hours.

Watch: 'I found a way to be through': Rafael Nadal elated after progressing to Round of 16 of Madrid Open

The 22-time Grand Slam winner will next be up against the Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka in the pre-quarters Nadal cruised through the first set but lost a scrappy second in a tie-break before eventually sealing a 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-3 victory in a little more than three hours.

Nadal cruised through the first set but lost a scrappy second in a tie-break before eventually sealing a 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-3 victory in a little more than three hours.

Rafael Nadal battled into the fourth round of the Madrid Open with a hard-fought win over Argentina&rsquo;s Pedro Cachin.
The 37-year-old is still playing within himself as he bids to build his fitness for the French Open next month.
He cruised through the first set but lost a scrappy second in a tie-break before eventually sealing a 6-1 6-7 (5) 6-3 victory in a little more than three hours.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner will next be up against the Czech Republic&rsquo;s Jiri Lehecka in the pre-quarters on Tuesday, April 30.
In his admission, Nadal experienced several highs and lows when facing Cachin. In the opening set, Nadal dominated and looked like he was ready to end the contest quickly. But Cachin managed to hold on in the second set tiebreaker and win the match in the decisive set. Nadal did not turn around after taking an early break in the third set.
Nadal said that some unpredictable brand of tennis helped him have the last laugh over his opponent from Argentina.
&ldquo;Some moments were good. Some moments are not good. I found a way to be through. In the 3rd set even with some mistakes I was able to be a bit more unpredictable. That changed the match,&rdquo; Nadal added.
Although the 37-year-old Nadal acknowledged that it was an honour to play in front of his home audience, he isn't ready to look too far forward just yet.
&ldquo;Now I&rsquo;m enjoying. Let&rsquo;s see how I wake up tomorrow, no? I don&rsquo;t know. Day by day... I&rsquo;m enjoying the fact that I&rsquo;m playing at home means everything to me. Just trying my best to keep dreaming. Tomorrow is another day to keep dreaming and playing in front of this amazing crowd. It&rsquo;s everything,&rdquo; Nadal said.

Five-time former Madrid champion Nadal will face Alex de Minaur - who he lost to in Barcelona last week - in the second round.

Watch: Rafael Nadal reveals what playing at Madrid Open means to him this year

Five-time former Madrid champion Nadal will face Alex de Minaur - who he lost to in Barcelona last week - in the second round.


Five-time former Madrid champion Nadal will face Alex de Minaur - who he lost to in Barcelona last week - in the second round.

Rafael Nadal made a winning start at the Madrid Open on Thursday, beating 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch 6-1, 6-0 in the first round.
Nadal, who is competing in his third event of the year, took just 64 minutes to get past Blanch - a player 21 years and 117 days his junior.
Five-time former Madrid champion Nadal will face Alex de Minaur - who he lost to in Barcelona last week - in the second round. Speaking after the win, Nadal elaborated on how he prevailed over Blanch, 'Today I played against an opponent with a great future in front (of him), but today he's still making mistakes. So I just tried to be there, be solid all the time without taking a lot of risks and (it) worked well. So just happy to be through and (I) wish him all the best for the future.'&nbsp; The 37-year-old is playing the Madrid Open for the last time in his career, 'For me, after how things... developed in the last few years, every time that I had a chance to be on court, on this amazing stadium with... unconditionally supportive crowd. It means a lot to me. So I'm just trying to enjoy every moment. And tomorrow, one more day of practice here and after tomorrow again on court. So that makes me feel great.'&nbsp;

Nadal looked in good form in what was only his third match since returning from his latest injury layoff. He had made his return in Barcelona last week, losing to Alex De Minaur in the second round.

Rafael Nadal cruises to straight-sets win over American teenager in first round of Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal hardly broke a sweat as he cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over American teenager Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

Nadal looked in good form in what was only his third match since returning from his latest injury layoff. He had made his return in Barcelona last week, losing to Alex De Minaur in the second round.

Rafael Nadal hardly broke a sweat as he cruised to a 6-1, 6-0 victory over American teenager Darwin Blanch in the first round of the Madrid Open on Thursday.
Nadal looked in good form in what was only his third match since returning from his latest injury layoff. He had made his return in Barcelona last week, losing to Alex De Minaur in the second round.
37-year-old Nadal had arrived in Madrid saying he was not 100% fit, and that he was only going to play because the tournament was at home.
On Wednesday, Nadal said that in his current condition, he would not play if this was the French Open.

“The sensations haven't been perfect this week. If it wasn't Madrid, maybe I wouldn't play. But there are a lot of emotions involved," Nadal said.

Rafael Nadal says he is not 100% fit ahead of Madrid debut; still unsure about playing French Open

Rafael Nadal will play in the Madrid Open despite not being fully fit and didn't seem too optimistic about his chances of being ready for the French Open later this month.

&ldquo;The sensations haven't been perfect this week. If it wasn't Madrid, maybe I wouldn't play. But there are a lot of emotions involved," Nadal said.

Rafael Nadal will play in the Madrid Open despite not being fully fit and didn't seem too optimistic about his chances of being ready for the French Open later this month.
Nadal said Wednesday he would not play in Paris if he arrives there feeling the same way that he is feeling ahead of his debut in Madrid this week.
&ldquo;The sensations haven't been perfect this week. If it wasn't Madrid, maybe I wouldn't play. But there are a lot of emotions involved," Nadal said.
&ldquo;I don't know what's going to happen in the following three weeks. I'll keep fighting and doing the things that I think I need to do to play in Paris. And if it's possible, then it's possible. If not, then not. I'm not going to play in Paris the way I'm feeling today. It it was Paris, I wouldn't be playing.&rdquo;
37-year-old Nadal said this is likely his farewell year on tour, and is hoping to be competitive one last time at Roland Garros, where he is a 14-time champion.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner is a record five-time champion in Madrid, with his last title in the Spanish capital coming in 2017. He is scheduled to debut on Thursday against 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch.
&ldquo;Hopefully I can play without many limitations,&rdquo; Nadal said. &ldquo;Then we'll see what happens. If I play without limitations, even if I lose, than it will be positive.&rdquo; Nadal, who had hip surgery last summer, lost to Alex de Minaur in the second round in Barcelona in what was his first tournament in more than three months.
&ldquo;The goal is be on court. Enjoy as long as possible,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I mean, that's the thing. Try to finish the tournament alive in terms of body issues, and enjoy the fact that I will be able to compete one more time in the professional tour and here at home in Madrid, a place that give me everything, no, in terms of support.&rdquo; He said he is giving himself &ldquo;a chance&rdquo; and hopes to &ldquo;find better feelings&rdquo; in his body going forward.
&ldquo;I don't lose hope. I just accept the situation that I have today,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I mean, I am not playing bad. It's about more body limitations.&rdquo; He said the &ldquo;body feelings are not enough good to feel myself playing with free enough in terms of body issues. That's not allowed me to compete the way that I would like to compete.&rdquo;

Nadal was happy he had the chance to say farewell to the event in what he has hinted will be the final season of his ATP Tour career.

Watch: Rafael Nadal hopes to be competitive if body allows after 2nd round Barcelona Open exit

Nadal was happy he had the chance to say farewell to the event in what he has hinted will be the final season of his ATP Tour career.

It was a bittersweet goodbye for Rafael Nadal on Wednesday at the Barcelona Open.
The Spaniard had been unsure whether he would be ready to compete this week at the ATP 500, but he ultimately took to court and won a match before falling to Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-1.
While a player who is a record 12-time champion in Barcelona was never likely to be wholly satisfied with a second-round exit, Nadal was happy he had the chance to say farewell to the event in what he has hinted will be the final season of his ATP Tour career.
"For me I had the chance to say goodbye here on court,&rdquo; said Nadal.
&ldquo;That means a lot to me, because I probably felt one week ago that I was not able to play in this event. That would have been painful, so at least I played, I enjoyed the game, and now is the moment to keep going.&rdquo;

Nadal was returning from yet another injury layoff and hadn't played since an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in March.

Rafael Nadal 'happy to start with a win' at home tournament Barcelona Open on comeback

Nadal was returning from yet another injury layoff and hadn't played since an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in March.

Rafael Nadal looked good in a comfortable 6-2, 6-3 win over Flavio Cobolli at the Barcelona Open in his first competitive match in more than three months on Tuesday.
The victory at the centre court named after him allowed Nadal to advance to the second round at the clay-court tournament that the Spaniard has won a record 12 times. He will next face Alex de Minaur, who had a first-round bye. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Nadal shed light on his emotions on coming back, ' To come back here in Barcelona after I couldn't do it for a while means a lot to me. I enjoyed the match today with this fantastic crowd and to live once again the feeling of playing on a court that has been so important in my career. It's been a very good feeling and I tried to enjoy every moment.'
Nadal converted on his second match point to seal the victory over the 21-year-old Italian ranked 62nd in the world.
Nadal was returning from yet another injury layoff and hadn't played since an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in March. The 22-time Grand Slam champion had last played a tournament in Brisbane in January, when he played only three matches before skipping the Australian Open. When asked about his resilience to keep on returning from long injury layoffs, the 37-year-old stated, 'Yes, I tried a lot of times in my career. It's true that, every time is more difficult. And especially when you are in advanced age, it makes the things, even tougher now. But, yes, I am going through tough moments. But at the same time, when I am able to, to be on the tour for a few days and practice with the guys and then be able to compete a little bit means a lot to me. And I still, enough, enjoyable to keep doing.'&nbsp;
Nadal said it will likely be his last time playing the Barcelona Open. The 37-year-old Spaniard had hip surgery last summer and said 2024 will probably be his last year playing on tour.

It's a gift to be here. I have a feeling that it will be my last time here and I want to enjoy it: Nadal

Rafael Nadal says he's ''ready enough'' to play in his last Barcelona Open

Rafael Nadal is "ready enough" to play on Tuesday in what he expects to be his last Barcelona Open, which will be his first participation in a clay-court tournament this year.

It's a gift to be here. I have a feeling that it will be my last time here and I want to enjoy it: Nadal

Rafael Nadal is "ready enough" to play on Tuesday in what he expects to be his last Barcelona Open, which will be his first participation in a clay-court tournament this year.
&ldquo;It was a positive week of training and I'll be on the court,&rdquo; said Nadal, who will face Flavio Cobolli in his opening match. &ldquo;It's a gift to be here. I have a feeling that it will be my last time here and I want to enjoy it.&rdquo;
Nadal, a 12-time champion in Barcelona, had hip surgery last summer and this year has played only three competitive matches, all in Brisbane before skipping the Australian Open.
&ldquo;I'm ready enough to play," Nadal said. "It is what it is right now. I have to keep going day by day.&rdquo; The Spaniard said he was in a unique situation after &ldquo;two tough years&rdquo; of injuries and felt he can still "be competitive.&rdquo;
37-year-old Nadal pulled out of last week's Monte Carlo Masters before it started because of a lingering injury, saying &ldquo; my body simply won't allow me.&rdquo; In early March, the 22-time Grand Slam champion played an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas but days later pulled out of the Indian Wells tournament.
Nadal is a 14-time winner at the French Open which doesn't begin until May 25.
Alcaraz won't play in Barcelona because of an injury. Stefanos Tsitsipas, who defeated Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo final, has entered Barcelona.

Nadal has won the Monte Carlo Masters 11 times but announced on his social media accounts that he won't be ready to play when the tournament starts next week.

Rafael Nadal pulls out of Monte Carlo Masters with injury. That delays his clay-court preparations

Nadal has won the Monte Carlo Masters 11 times but announced on his social media accounts that he won't be ready to play when the tournament starts next week.

Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Monte Carlo Masters on Thursday because of a lingering injury, delaying the start of his clay-court tournament preparation ahead of the French Open and extending his absence that began in January.
The 37-year-old Nadal had hip surgery last summer and has played only three competitive matches &mdash; in Brisbane before skipping the Australian Open &mdash; this year.
Nadal has won the Monte Carlo Masters 11 times but announced on his social media accounts that he won't be ready to play when the tournament starts next week.
&ldquo;My body simply won't allow me,&rdquo; the 22-time Grand Slam champion said in a statement.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
&iexcl;Hola a todos! Est&aacute;n siendo tiempos dif&iacute;ciles para m&iacute; deportivamente hablando. Desgraciadamente os comunico que no voy a jugar en Montecarlo. Simplemente mi cuerpo no me deja. <a href="https://t.co/oibcC4pBXo">pic.twitter.com/oibcC4pBXo</a>
&mdash; Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal/status/1775921380560621653?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
The Spaniard didn't mention the French Open &mdash; he's won the clay-court major a record 14 times &mdash; in his statement. The Roland Garros tournament begins May 25.
In early March, Nadal played an exhibition match against Carlos Alcaraz in Las Vegas but days later pulled out of the Indian Wells tournament.
&ldquo;You have no idea how hard this is for me to not be able to play these events,&rdquo; he wrote. &ldquo;The only thing I can do is to accept the situation and try to look at the immediate future keeping the excitement and will to play in order to give me a chance for things to get better.&rdquo;
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