"Nadal plays 30% better at Roland Garros" - says Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev had a chance to watch Rafael Nadal practice and the German was impressed by how much better the Spaniard looks in Roland Garros.

German world number three Zverev, who is seeded to meet Djokovic in the semi-finals, said Nadal seems to have shrugged off the recurrence of a foot injury which saw him limp to an early defeat in Rome last week. He said:

"I just watched Rafa practise and it's funny because all of a sudden his forehand is just 20 miles an hour faster. He moves lighter on his feet. There is something about this court that makes him play 30% better, just being on this court."

Asked about the favourites in this event, Zverev said:

"I think Novak right now, as well, he's finding his form again. He's been playing better and better each week that he's been playing on the clay courts. He's been playing fantastic in Rome. Those two guys (Djokovic and Nadal) are still the No. 1 and 2 favourites for me."

He also touched upon himself not winning one yet:

"I'm not saying I have lost matches because of my physical ability. No, I think I have lost matches because I have put a lot of pressure on myself winning a Grand Slam. That is more the reason why I maybe haven't won one yet."