Tennis first-round clash in Paris: Zverev meets Nadal
Wants to win his first Grand Slam title in Paris: Alexander Zverev. Photo
© Matthieu Mirville/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
This is a bombshell: The French Open in Paris will see the start of a repeat of the 2022 semifinals. It couldn’t have been more difficult for tennis star Alexander Zverev.
Alexander Zverev has been drawn against the toughest possible opening opponent in the draw for the French Open. The Olympic tennis champion will face 14-time Paris champion Rafael Nadal in the first round. The two already faced each other in the memorable semifinal at the Stade Roland Garros two years ago, when Zverev twisted his ankle towards the end of the second set and suffered a serious ankle injury.
For Nadal, it is very likely to be his last appearance at his absolute favorite tournament. The 37-year-old Spaniard is constantly plagued by injuries and has announced that 2024 will probably be his last year on the tennis tour. Nadal, who is not seeded in Paris this time due to his many injuries, has so far achieved his best clay court result this year, reaching the round of 16 at the Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid.
At the Masters 1000 event in Rome, the former world number one was defeated in two sets by Hubert Hurkacz of Poland in the second round. Zverev won the tournament in the Italian capital and celebrated a perfect dress rehearsal for Paris. The German number one is aiming for his first Grand Slam title in Paris.
In the women’s event, Angelique Kerber also had an unpleasant draw. After a first-round duel with the Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus, Kerber could face fellow favorite Jelena Rybakina from Kazakhstan in her second Grand Slam tournament after her maternity leave. A total of five German players are currently in the main draw after Jule Niemeier successfully mastered the qualification on Thursday. Eva Lys could also follow her on Friday.
dpa
#Subjects
