Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev Set for Epic Duel at Roland Garros 2024
The much-anticipated clash between Rafael Nadal, the victor of Roland Garros fourteen times, and Alexander Zverev, currently ranked fourth in the world, is slated for the first round of the 2024 edition. This match is not only a remake of their unforgettable semi-final in 2022 but could also mark the Spanish legend’s last appearance at Porte d'Auteuil. Scheduled for Monday, the match's exact time slot—day or night session—is yet to be determined, though Nadal has expressed a strong preference for a daytime match due to his favored playing conditions.
Dramatic Draw Sets the Stage
The draw for this year’s Roland Garros has been nothing short of dramatic, particularly for Nadal, who returned to Paris after missing the previous year. Facing one of the toughest possible first-round opponents, the German Alexander Zverev, presents a formidable challenge. The 27-year-old Zverev, recent victor of the Rome Masters 1000, brings impressive recent form and a powerful presence on clay.
Nadal’s road beyond Zverev doesn’t get much easier. Potential matchups include David Goffin and Tallon Griekspoor, and should he advance to the later stages, opponents like Holger Rune, Karen Khachanov, Daniil Medvedev, Alex de Miñaur, or a rejuvenated Novak Djokovic might await him. The final could see the emerging talents of Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner, both formidable in their own rights.
Nadal has been stepping up his training rigorously, engaging in practice sessions with elite players such as Daniil Medvedev and Stanislas Wawrinka. Despite a lackluster performance in the Foro Italico, the Spanish icon is focused on translating his training groundwork into competitive success on the Roland Garros courts.
Adding to the anticipation, Carlos Alcaraz, another strong Spanish contender, enters the tournament managing a right forearm injury. His draw appears more favorable initially, starting against a qualifier and potentially facing Jack Draper and Ben Shelton in the early rounds. Alcaraz is keen to advance, aiming for a compelling performance after a semi-final finish last year in Paris.
On the women’s side, Spanish players like Sara Sorribes and Paula Badosa face rigorous opening matches. Sorribes will take on the Romanian Bianca Andreescu, and Badosa will battle the British Katie Boulter, with the third round likely pitting her against the world number two, Aryna Sabalenka.
- France Télévisions hopes Nadal will play his initial match during the day, ensuring it airs on public service rather than Prime Video. The possibility of a co-broadcast or free Amazon stream remains uncertain.
- Zverev, in addition to his on-court preparations, faces a personal turmoil with an upcoming court appearance in Berlin for alleged abuse charges. Despite this, his historical match record against Nadal stands at 3-7 but includes a notable incident during their last encounter at Roland Garros when Zverev had to retire due to injury.
