Tennis
Roland-Garros
Exclusive: Rafael Nadal against Alexander Zverev will be watched by 'the whole world' at the French Open - Alex Corretja
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Published 23/05/2024 at 18:26 GMT
Rafael Nadal has been handed a difficult draw at what is expected to be his final French Open, with world No. 4 Alexander Zverev waiting for him in the first round at Roland-Garros. The pair last met at the Grand Slam in Paris in 2022, when Zverev was forced to retire through injury. Nadal went on to win the tournament for a record-extending 14th time.
Nadal trains with Wawrinka as French Open edges closer
Eurosport tennis expert Alex Corretja says “the whole world” will be watching when 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal takes on Olympic gold medallist Alexander Zverev in the first round of the French Open.
Nadal is expected to be playing at the Grand Slam for the final time after indicating he will be retiring at the end of the season.
However, an early meeting with Zverev could dampen his hopes of a deep run at the tournament.
Reacting to the draw, Corretja said: “This is absolutely stunning. It’s crazy and unbelievable how precious destiny can be.
“We know what happened last time they played each other at Roland-Garros. Now Zverev is probably the guy who is in the best shape on the men’s Tour right now and is probably one of the favourites to win the tournament.
“Facing Rafa, it’s unbelievable, the attention of the whole world will be on this.”
The last meeting between these two took place at Court Philippe Chatrier in 2022.
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Alexander Zverev retired due to injury in his 2022 French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal
Image credit: Getty Images
Despite being on court for three hours and 13 minutes, the French Open semi-final had not even reached the end of the second set, with Nadal leading 6-7(8) 6-6.
However, the gruelling contest was brought to an early end when Zverev was forced to retire after rolling his right ankle; an injury which kept him out of action for six months.
Nadal went on to lift the trophy for a record-extending 14th time.
Fast forward two years and Nadal is beginning to wind down a phenomenal career which has seen him win 22 majors, while Zverev’s stock is rising once again with the world No. 4 arriving in Paris on the back of victory at the Italian Open.
The build-up to the tournament will continue to be dominated by Nadal’s impending farewell, but Corretja thinks drawing one of the top seeds will work in the Spaniard’s favour.
“Even if it’s still one of the toughest opponents Rafa can face in the first round, he can just relieve this pressure straight away.
“He doesn’t need to think about his performance or shape beforehand. Whoever he drew was going to be a tough match in a best of five with all the attention on him right.
“If he wins, it’s unbelievable. If not, it’s just normal as Zverev is in great shape as I said. It’s huge attention for the tournament,” Corretja said.
For Zverev, his wish has been granted after previously saying he wanted to be drawn against Nadal one more time before the former world No. 1 brings his career to an end.
Among the other first round ties, defending champion Novak Djokovic will take on Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Australian Open winner Jannik Sinner goes up against Christopher Eubanks and Carlos Alcaraz has been drawn to face a qualifier or lucky loser.
Andy Murray starts his campaign against fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka.
Despite a star-studded line-up at Roland-Garros, Corretja thinks the winner of Nadal v Zverev is in with a good shout of taking the title.
“For Sascha [Zverev], winning in Rome and then being one of the main favourites for the tournament, and having to face Rafa in round one is incredible.
“Whoever wins has to be one of the main favourites. Sascha has been practising so hard in the past few years, both physically and emotionally. And he will have to play exceptionally well.
“It doesn’t matter if Rafa wins, but if he does, it’s huge. It would be very unexpected based on form but nothing he does can surprise us considering how much success he has had here.
“For Rafa, it’ll be tough to play any opponent. The fact he needs to give 100% from round one is so different for him. He will give everything he possibly has. I’m expecting something very, very special.”
You can watch every day of the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+.
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