Rafael Nadal will face Alexander Zverev in the first round of the 2024 French Open. This is going to be the rematch of the semifinal of the 2022 edition whereZverev got injured and had to retire in the second set. Nadal hasn’t played a match at Roland Garros since winning it in 2022. He has been working hard to get ready to compete at a high level for his favorite Grand Slam. The 22-time Grand Slam champion was last in action at the Rome Masters.
Nadal Gets A Nightmare First Round
This is the worst possible draw for Nadal in what is very likely his final Roland Garros. He needed momentum to build his form but now he will get none and has to be at his best to have any chances. Even if his tennis is good enough to compete with Zverev, his fitness will be a big question mark whether he can play 4-5 sets. In their previous meeting in the 2022 semifinal, Zverev and Nadal were playing at a very high level. That match was almost three hours long and they were still in the second set. It’s likely to be the same grueling encounter with lots of long rallies. The Spaniard’s stamina and movement will be tested to the limit.
The good thing for Nadal is that he will be fresh and can come out all guns blazing and see where his level is at. If he wins this match, confidence will be restored and he will like his chances going further into the tournament. Nadal is the king of these courts and has defied the odds and made magic happen time and time again.
Alexander Zverev is in great form and his confidence will be very high after winning the Rome Masters. He is one of the favorites to win this year’s Roland Garros but this is not an ideal match for him too. Rafael Nadal in the early rounds is not someone you want to face. Zverev is known for making slow starts in Grand Slams and works his way up to peak in the later stages. Nadal will hope to catch him cold.
The atmosphere will be absolutely electric and the crowd will be pumped up and won over the Spaniard’s cause. Zverev is good enough to beat Nadal but also mentally fragile enough that he can collapse playing against him and the crowd. This is like a full-circle moment as they will finish what started in 2022 and may end up being one of the most exciting first rounds ever.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
