When tennis stars become spectators: Nadal-Zverev match draws big names

Normally it is more celebrities that attend tennis matches than current pros, but such is the hype behind the Alexander Zverev v Rafael Nadal match that some of the world's best have halted their schedules to attend at Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic in particular who will make his first appearance tomorrow at the Grand Slam made the bold move to halt his preparation time to face Pierre-Hugues Herbert. In a must-watch clash, he was in the stands watching one of his greatest rivals.

Also in attendance after winning earlier today were the likes of Iga Swiatek who is seen as the Queen of Clay albeit it is more of a moniker that she refutes amid Nadal's 14 titles. She was sighted taking a photo of the action. Whilst Carlos Alcaraz after defeating J.J Wolf yesterday also was there. As was three-time Grand Slam winner, Stan Wawrinka. Bringing out all of the stars to Court Philippe-Chatrier.

As a user on social media also pointed out, there is technically 56 Grand Slam titles on court at one time with Djokovic on 24, Nadal on 22, Swiatek on 4, Wawrinka on 3, Alcaraz on 2 and Moya on 1. With Marion Bartoli and Amelie Mauresmo also in the vicinity, it is technically 58 too. Bringing out all the star power. 

But for those hoping for a Rafael Nadal fairytale, it is very much unlikely at the time of writing. He is now two sets down to Alexander Zverev and one away from a nightmare ending potentially to his Roland Garros career. Some expected it, but of course whether or not it was going to happen was another thing.

Zverev in particular is out to avenge his 2022 semi-final loss to Nadal where he got an ankle injury part of the way through when it looked like he was en route to sealing the win.