Boris Becker advises Zverev privately with insights on Nadal
Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev face off at the French Open, exciting the tennis world. Boris Becker supports Zverev but still has faith in Nadal. Becker offers Zverev some words of wisdom for their forthcoming match.
Tennis legend Boris Becker offers advice to Alexander Zverev before his highly-anticipated match against Rafael Nadal in the French Open's first round. "My recommendation for Zverev is to focus on playing against the player rather than the legendary figure. It's crucial to view the current Nadal as an opponent - a 37-year-old Spaniard from Mallorca," said the six-time Grand Slam winner in an interview with Eurosport.
Facing the expectations of ten years of age, Zverev must maintain composure during this highly anticipated clash. Becker had previously mentioned before the draw on Thursday that this would be a tough feat for any competitor. "Entering the court and playing against Rafa, with the referee announcing 'coming the 14-time winner', you become less significant - and Rafa grows larger. Believe me, nobody wants to play against Rafa on Philippe Chatrier. Nobody," Becker said during a Eurosport media conference.
The number four world-ranked Zverev is tasked with the enticing and demanding challenge of defeating the record championship holder Nadal, fresh from his triumph at the Masters tournament in Rome. This season, Zverev has excelled on clay, outshining Nadal, who isn't seeded at the second major tournament of the year due to a succession of injuries.
Becker expresses his faith in Nadal
Despite this, Becker believes in Nadal and fears against him at Roland Garros. "I would never bet against Rafael Nadal at the French Open," said the 56-year-old. "He passes through the gate, appears on the Philippe Chatrier court - and something occurs with both him and his foes. I believe that could happen again this year." He anticipates Zverev's victory and a "spectacular match," hoping to provide Nadal with a grand stage once more.
However, Becker claims that Nadal isn't merely playing farewell games at his likely final appearance at the French Open. "If he hadn't genuinely believed, deep inside, that he could win the French Open once more, he wouldn't have entered the tournament," Becker stated. Additionally, Nadal's favorite tournament and his preferred surface - clay - boost his chances.
Since his severe foot injury in the French Open semi-final two years ago, Zverev has found his best form, according to Becker. "I think he's returned to the stage where he can ascend to the top once more," said Becker. "There is no clear favorite this year, so Sascha's odds of triumph have risen."
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In the anticipated clash at the French Open, Boris Becker encourages Zverev to view Nadal as a formidable opponent rather than a legendary figure. Despite expressing faith in Zverev's abilities, Becker also warns about the aura of Nadal at Roland Garros, stating, "Nobody wants to play against Rafa on Philippe Chatrier."
Source: www.ntv.de
