Rafael Nadal confident ahead of first-round clash with Alexander Zverev at French Open - 'My body is better'

Published 25/05/2024 at 12:16 GMT

Rafael Nadal is the most successful player in the history of the French Open at Roland-Garros in Paris, France. The Spaniard has won the Grand Slam 14 times so far in his career, and if he is to add to that number, he will have to beat Alexander Zverev in this year's first-round clash. The two play on Monday, with many anticipating that this is the final year of the legend's career.

‘Prepared for a tough battle’ - Zverev on first-round clash with Nadal

King of clay Rafael Nadal insists his "body is better" ahead of his tie with Alexander Zverev at Roland-Garros on Monday.

Nadal is the most successful player in the history of the tournament in Paris, lifting the trophy on 14 occasions, but after a couple of years struggling with injury and poor form, he is no longer ranked high enough to be seeded at the French Open.

His retirement has long been anticipated and unless there is a sea change in his fitness over the rest of the year, few would expect him to continue to compete.

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The 37-year-old had months away after an ill-fated start to 2024 when he was injured at the Brisbane International, though he has been able to compete at the Barcelona Open, Madrid Open and Rome Masters in the last couple of months.

His involvement in Italy came to an end in the round of 64 when he lost to Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets, but speaking ahead of the weekend’s opening matches, he said he felt fit.

Nadal began: "I am good. Now my body is better, so, even [though] Rome was not a good event, but I am feeling better. In all ways, you know."

He added, on his return to the tournament, which is indelibly linked with his career: "So, I am happy the way that I am practising here. I know I have a super tough first round, one of the toughest possible, but that's what happens when you are not seeded."

Alcaraz pleased to avoid Nadal in first round of French Open

Looking back on his career, Nadal stated that he wanted to be remembered for his relationships with players and others he knew: "That's the thing, you did the things well, and you have a good relationship with the people who really know the players.

"Because, I mean, you can fake the crowd, you can fake the people who don't know you, very well for, for a while, because at the end of the day, they are not, inside the locker room, but the people who are inside the tournaments, that, see you every single day, then the people who really knows who you are personally you know.

"So I want to be remembered, more or less, like a good person."

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You can watch every day of the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+.

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