Rafael Nadal in speech gaffe as classy gesture lauded - French Open day two (2024)

Rafael Nadal messed up as he gave an emotional speech to the French Open fans (Image: Getty)

It was an emotional day at the French Open as Rafael Nadal played what was likely his final match at his most successful tournament. The 14-time champion lost to Alexander Zverev in a blockbuster first-round match before suffering a gaffe during his emotional on-court speech.

While all eyes were on Court Philippe-Chatrier, there was plenty of action happening elsewhere on the grounds, including Matteo Arnaldi, who showed class with his gesture to French favourite Arthur Fils.

Express Sport takes a look at five things you missed on day one of the French Open.

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Rafa’s age blunder

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Nadal addressed the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd after suffering his first-ever defeat in the opening round. That was until the former world No. 1 suffered a gaffe during the impassioned speech. Nadal, who turns 38 next week, got his age wrong while trying to explain what the tournament meant to him.

“I never could’ve imagined when I was a kid that I would be here almost 28 - 38 years old,” he laughed, realising his mistake and cutting himself off. “I would love 28!”

Arnaldi’s sporting gesture

Arnaldi came into his first-round match as the villain as he came up against home hope Fils. The Italian spoiled the party as he sent the 29th seed packing on Court Simonne-Mathieu with a 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2. But he won the crowd over with his class as he rushed to help Fils when the 19-year-old fell while chasing down a ball.

Arnaldi crossed the net to check on his rival, who had injured his hand and needed an immediate medical time-out in the middle of the game. With Fils’ hand bleeding, the world No. 35 poured water on it to help until the doctor came.

Just in Rafael Nadal casts major Wimbledon doubts as icon lays out plan before retiring

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Matteo Arnaldi helped Arthur Fils when he got injured in a showing of sportsmanship (Image: Eurosport)

A Squire is born

Henri Squire announced himself as he won his first-ever tour-level match at the French Open as a qualifier. The world No. 221 survived a rollercoaster five-set battle to defeat Max Purcell as he won the first two sets but lost the next two when the world No. 94 started to mount a comeback.

But the German got the job done in a gutsy final set tiebreak 6-2 6-2 3-6 4-6 7-6(10). It was a long wait for his first professional win, as Squire made his ATP debut two years ago. He will now face 21st seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Sinner spotted supporting new girlfriend

Jannik Sinner confirmed his relationship with Anna Kalinskaya on Monday while speaking to Italian media, ushering in a new tennis power couple. The world No. 25 was spotted watching some of Sinner’s first-round match on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. And the Australian Open champion returned the favour, sitting in Kalinskaya’s box on Court 14 to watch her beat Clara Burel.

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Jannik Sinner sat in Anna Kalinskaya's box (Image: Eurosport)

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