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.