Alize Cornet: Tennis World Set to Receive Another Heart-Break as They Struggle to Overcome Rafael Nadal’s French Open Farewell

Alize Cornet is ready to play her 20th and “last tournament at the French Open” which was also her first tournament. As the former world number 11 is ready for her final big tournament, the tennis world is now focused on her, following Rafael Nadal‘s departure at the French Open. With her final round approaching, Cornet recently shared a countdown message with her fans.

The 34-year-old tennis star recently took to her Instagram account, to share a picture of herself on the court. Along with that, she wrote, “Philippe Chatrier – 12h, À demain @rolandgarros ✊️🧡 #thelastdance.” It wouldn’t be incorrect to state that fans found it difficult to watch the 22-time Grand Slam champion suffer a devastating loss in the opening round.

The WTA star is about to break hearts once more by reminding everyone of her own approaching departure. A few weeks ago, the French tennis player announced on Canal+ that she would participate in her home major one last time in 2024. Cornet first attended the tournament in approaching when she was 15 years old.

She said, “Well, you might already know what I’m about to tell you, but in one month I’m going to play my last tournament at the French Open – and then retire from professional tennis.” Subsequently, she had no special requests for her farewell celebration. However, she did ask the tournament director, Amelie Mauresmo, to get her a suitable court and time, perfect for her last encounter.

In honor of Cornet, Mauresmo and her team have scheduled her match as the first on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Tuesday. The draw pitted her against Qinwen Zheng. In addition, just a day ago on the same court, Nadal returned to the French Open unseeded, desperately searching for his old form, but his opponent Alexander Zverev had other plans and defeated the 14-time French Open champion then and there.

Furthermore, the 37-year-old tennis legend said during the post-match interview, “It is difficult for me to talk; I don’t know if it’s the last time I’ll be here in front of all of you.” However, just like the way the 38-year-old tennis star shares fond memories with the major clay event, the French tennis player is also quite attached to the event.

Alizé Cornet’s love story with Roland Garros 

Alize Cornet and tennis have been together for twenty years, and like all long-term partnerships, there have been highs and lows. In a conversation a few days before, she said, “It was my first tournament. It was my first Grand Slam tournament when I was 15, and it will be my 20th this year. This is where I wanted to say farewell to professional tennis. I am glad to have reached that point in my life where I can say goodbye in front of my fans and my family.”

Along with that, she added, “Roland-Garros is a love story that was not always easy, and I think it’s the case also for all the French tennis players. So I’m delighted to have chosen my last tournament, because it’s a lot of symbolism for me.”

She has a deep and lasting love for tennis, but now is the time to say goodbye. As with all friendly splits, it makes sense, yet it still hurts.