If it is, it was magnificent. He was beaten in straight sets by Zverev who played superbly. He even played the forehand down the line flawlessly, his weakest shot. And he made no mistakes, gave away very few points and covered the court like an athlete. He could be the last man standing at the French.

But this was more about Rafa. It was all there….the competitiveness, the unbelievable shots to the corners….the unexpected brilliance at the net. He showed us why he has dominated Paris more convincingly than any other sportsman has owned an occasion in the last 20 years.

This was no feeble exit….a great warrior went out proudly at the right place.

Mozaart

One has to bear in mind that according  to experts and bearing  in mind both the injuries and the questionable form of Djokovic, Zverev is the favorite to win this tounament.   That makes Nadals's performance really high quality.   

He went out of the match with high praize and cheered by the crowd. and thoroughly deserve that .

When I went on a cruise in Vienna on the D anube where a performance of Mozart favorites was the music played.   A t my table were two Spaniards and when I mentioned Nadal they were very happy and from then on we tried to communicate in German - not English - they were clueless about it - but we talked tennis the whole cruise while enjoying Mozart musc and an Austrian meal - comprizing of Schnitzel  and Apfelstrudel.     Very enjoyable cruize and discussion of a joint hero.  .

I will miss him from the tennis scene.   He really was a joy to watch - especially on clay courts.     .        

Well said Mike