"I don't wanna play him in the first round": Alexander Zverev highlights no top player wants to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

Germany’s tennis star Alexander Zverev believes that none of the leading players would have liked to face the former world number one Rafael Nadal in the opening round of the French Open.

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 has struggled with consistent fitness struggles and it was because of this reason, he announced in 2023 that the 2024 season would be his last at the highest level.

The 14-time French Open winner returned to court earlier this year but has not been able to live up to the hype. He has now been handed a tough draw against the current world number four in what would have been his last appearance at the Roland Garros.

Zverev, who will be coming into the competition with full confidence after winning the Rome Open in his most recent outing, was recently quoted in a report in which he stated that none of the top players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, or Jannik Sinner would’ve wanted to face Nadal in the opening round of the mega-event.

“Yeah but how are you gonna do that? I don't know how, of course, I can guarantee you Novak didn't want to play Rafa in the first round, Alcaraz didn't wanna play him, Jannik didn't wanna play him, I don't wanna play him in the first round, but it is how it is,” said Zverev.

“Umm… 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's nothing you can do, and umm… everybody now is excited for a tough battle and tough first round and I think he's excited and I am excited for it."