HomeSportsRafael Nadal Bidding to Avoid Early French Open Exit

Rafael Nadal Bidding to Avoid Early French Open Exit

Rafael Nadal acknowledged on Monday that he will face “one of the toughest opponents possible” in the French Open first round when he takes on Alexander Zverev.

Though this year’s Roland Garros was widely expected to be Nadal’s farewell event, the 14-time champion clarified that he can’t confirm if it will be his final appearance.

Nadal’s participation has been limited in 2023, with just four tournaments under his belt due to a hip injury and a muscle tear. These setbacks have affected his ranking, leading to early clashes with top opponents. However, Nadal’s dominance at Roland Garros remains unmatched, with only three losses in 115 matches.

Meanwhile, Zverev, ranked world number four, enters Paris as a strong contender, buoyed by his recent victory at the Rome Open, further solidifying his status as a favorite for the title.

Ahead of the match on Court Philippe Chatrier, Nadal said, “Of course on paper it is not the best draw.”

“I play against one of the toughest opponents possible, and at the same time, he came here winning the last event and it’s 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.”

The 38-year-old champion, soon to celebrate his birthday, has displayed glimpses of his peak form during the clay-court season. However, he suffered a heavy 6-1, 6-3 defeat to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the second round of his most recent tournament in Rome.

Heading into their first meeting since the 2022 French Open semi-finals, he holds a 7-3 winning record against Zverev. In that previous encounter, Zverev was forced to exit the match in a wheelchair after sustaining an ankle injury near the end of the second set.

“I am not anxious. No, I am focused on trying to play well. That’s it,” said Nadal.

“Maybe I go there and I repeat the disaster of Rome. It’s a possibility, of course. I don’t want to hide that. But in my mind, is do something different and play much better and give myself a chance to play competitively,” he added.

After his ankle injury, Zverev did not compete for the remainder of 2022, but in recent months, he has steadily climbed back up the rankings.

At 27, he is widely considered a potential future Grand Slam champion, though he has yet to claim one of tennis’ four major titles.

Clay, however, is his best surface, and he has reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros for the past three consecutive years.

This year’s men’s draw appears more open than usual, with questions about Nadal’s fitness and Novak Djokovic experiencing a rocky start to the year.

“I can guarantee you Novak didn’t want to play Rafa in the first round and (Carlos) Alcaraz didn’t want to play, Jannik (Sinner) didn’t want to play him,” said Zverev.

“I don’t want to play him in the first round, but it is how it is. 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.

“Everybody now is excited for a tough battle and tough first round. I think he’s excited and I’m excited for it.”

French Open organizers were ready to hold a tribute ceremony for Nadal to honor his career, but the Spaniard was hesitant to approve such a celebration.

“We were ready to press the button on it,” tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said.

“But it’s Rafa who manages his timing, we follow what he wants. We wouldn’t want to put him in an uncomfortable position.”

For more latest news, click here.

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

Recent Comments