Title: The last lap: On the French Open
For a good part of the last two decades, everything at the French Open seemed like a prelude to one man’s crowning moment on the concluding Sunday of the tournament. The year 2024, however, has turned out differently for Rafael Nadal, who had clinched the singles title on 14 of his 18 prior visits, as he made an emotional first-round exit on Monday, losing to fourth seed Alexander Zverev in straight sets. It was only the fourth time in 116 matches that the Spaniard had lost on Parisian clay, and the moment, more than any in recent times, had a valedictory feel to it. Ever since he suffered a hip injury at the 2023 Australian Open and missed the rest of the season, Nadal’s tennis future has been a huge question mark. The 22-time Major champion has not been very optimistic himself, for he perhaps knows that at nearly 38, and with an injury ravaged body that has allowed him to play just 12 times this year, the end is near. Yet, that has not stopped him from taking to the court with childlike enthusiasm. He played in Barcelona, Madrid and Rome — places where he has collectively secured 27 trophies — soaking in the fans’ adulation in what has come to resemble a much-deserved victory lap.
To be sure, Nadal has not closed the door on returning to his favourite stomping grounds on the red dirt in 2025. His immediate target is the 2024 Paris Olympics, whose tennis event will be held at Roland-Garros in late July-early August. But there is little doubt that the ground he once guarded with an iron fist is fertile for an almighty jostle to anoint a new king. World No.1 Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Major and three-time French Open champion, would have been the obvious favourite if his form had not nose-dived. He is without a title this season and has revamped his entire support staff to jump-start his year. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are both coming in after recovering from injuries. Alexander Zverev, who won the Rome Masters, seems dialled in but will have to deal with a domestic abuse trial in parallel. Casper Ruud, who won Barcelona and Geneva recently, will hope to go all the way after two straight runner-up finishes at Roland-Garros. Among women, three-time champion Iga Swiatek is the overwhelming favourite, and is expected to be challenged by Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff. For India, the singles challenge ended prematurely with Sumit Nagal’s loss, but Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhambri will aim to fly the flag high with their respective doubles partners.
Meaning of the word:
| Word | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| Prelude | The term “prelude” can have several related meanings, General Usage: More broadly, a prelude can refer to any event, action, or situation that precedes and serves as an introduction to something more significant. It can be seen as a precursor or a preparatory step. | Introduction Prologue Preface Overture | Epilogue Conclusion Afterword Finale |
| Valedictory | The term “valedictory” is primarily used as both an adjective and a noun, with meanings related to farewells or leave-taking. As an adjective, “valedictory” describes something that relates to a farewell. For example, a valedictory speech is one given as a goodbye, often at a graduation ceremony. As a noun, “valedictory” refers to a farewell address or speech. It is most commonly associated with the speech given by the valedictorian (the top student) at a graduation ceremony. | Farewell Goodbye Leavetaking Parting | Welcome Greeting Introduction Hello |
| Optimistic | The term “optimistic” is an adjective that describes a positive, hopeful attitude or outlook towards life or specific situations. | Hopeful Positive Upbeat Confident | Pessimistic Negative Gloomy Cynical |
| Ravaged | The term “ravaged” is an adjective and past tense verb that describes something that has been severely damaged, devastated, or destroyed. | Devastated Destroyed Decimated Wrecked | Intact Unharmed Preserved Protected |
| Overwhelming | The term “overwhelming” is an adjective that describes something that is extremely strong, intense, or powerful in effect. | Intense Powerful Immense Enormous | Underwhelming Mild Insignificant Manageable |
