"I don't wanna play him in the first round": Alexander Zverev highlights no top player wants to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros
ATP
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.
Alexander Zverev has recently won the Rome Open after beating Nicolas Jarry in the final.
“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."
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
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