(Photo : Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 25: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves towards Holger Rune of Denmark of their observe match previous to the French Open at Roland Garros on May 25, 2024 in Paris, France.
It is not any secret that Rafael Nadal, one of many all-time greats in skilled tennis, needs to exit sturdy however his French Open 2024 marketing campaign hits a snag after an unfortunate draw within the first spherical.
The Spanish nice will face off with Alexander Zverev who’s among the many favorites to win this 12 months’s Roland Garros.
The German star, at present ranked as world no. 2, remains to be recent from his Italian Open 2024 Men’s Single’s win.
Read extra: Manchester City Set for Massive Financial Reward After Record-Setting Fourth Premier League Title in a Row
Nadal thinks the draw may’ve been higher for his half as he sees Zvereb as a formidable foe.
“Of course on paper it is not the best draw,” he informed reporters.
“I play towards one of many hardest opponents attainable, and on the identical time, he got here right here profitable the final occasion and it is a Masters 1000.
“It’s not a small one. So what can I do? That’s the draw. Just try to be ready for it.”
Nadal and Zverev have confronted one another 10 instances with the previous profitable, 7-3.
For what it is price, Zverev feels the identical about him.
“I don’t want to play him in the first round, but it is how it is,” Zverev mentioned.
“He has been out injured. He hasn’t played a lot of tennis. His ranking is where it is. Of course it’s not ideal, but at the same time, you know, there is nothing you can do.”
Rafael Nadal’s retirement plans would possibly change
Novak Djokovic beforehand mentioned that he needs one other showdown with Nadal. Probably within the French Open.
If issues do not work out for them, Djokovic has to hope that Nadal will actually change his thoughts.
The Spanish star hinted that he nonetheless doesn’t know if retirement is admittedly the subsequent step for him.
This is as a result of he feels wholesome once more.
“Physically I feel better, I am improving in different ways and I have less limitations than three or four weeks ago,” he mentioned.
“I am grateful I am able to be in Roland Garros and give myself a chance to play at least one more time here – maybe the last one, maybe not.”
Related article: Italian Open 2024 Winner Alexander Zverev, Top Players Complain About Long Tight Schedule of Masters Events
© 2023 Sportsworldnews.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce with out permission.
