‘Unbelievable, unreal’ – Corretja reacts to Nadal walkout before Zverev match

Eurosport expert Alex Corretja could not contain his emotion and excitement as Rafael Nadal made his way onto Court Philippe-Chatrier for what could be the final time in his glittering career.

The 14-time French Open champion plays Alexander Zverev, the No. 4 seed at Roland-Garros, in his first-round match as he continues his comeback from yet another hiatus.

The Spaniard was met with cheers and a standing ovation as he stepped out onto court by the French crowd.

The moment left Corretja among others emotional as he watched his compatriot go through his classic pre-match preparations.

“I think everybody is living this moment as if it could be the last,” Corretja said.

“Unbelievable, unreal. Very emotional moment here on Philippe-Chatrier. Everyone standing up to welcome Rafa onto court.

“Rafa looks so focussed; he doesn’t want to distract himself. He knows he has to play. We can be very emotional, but he needs to leave his heart aside and play with his mind.

“At some points and some moments he might use his heart, but you cannot play with your heart at the beginning of the match, otherwise you will run out of gas.”