Alexander Zverev predicts Nadal's improvement despite retirement talks

German tennis star Alexander Zverev believes that the former world number one Rafael Nadal will be only get ‘better’ if he continues to play and stay healthy. The 37-year-old is often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 22 Grand Slam titles.

Nadal struggled with injury concerns in the last two years and because of this reason, he announced in 2023 that the 2024 season would be his last at the highest level.

Ever since that announcement was made, the fans were eager to see him play at least one more time at the Roland Garros. Their wish finally came true as Nadal faced Zvere in the opening round of the mega-event on Monday but his journey proved to be short-lived as he suffered a defeat in straight sets with a score of 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

The reigning world number four, while talking to the media after the match, stated that Nadal has improved incredibly ever since he made his way back to the court and also suggested that he is likely to improve further if he keeps on staying healthy and continue playing at the highest level despite talk of his retirement.

“I would say the improvement he has made over the last few months and the difference in level he played today was unbelievable,” he said.

“I really felt like it was a very good match and if he stays healthy, he will continue to play better. Then he will be seeded again and that makes it a lot easier for him, for sure.

“I didn’t know how to act in certain moments, especially at the end of the match. There is uncertainty over whether he wants to come back and play next year. He’s definitely going to be back for the Olympics, but just for Roland Garros, there is uncertainty.”