Playing Tennis - "In a remarkable victory, Zverev edges out Nadal during their match at the French Open"
Alexander Zverev spectated over the net at the fallen king of clay courts, avoiding any triumphant actions. "This isn't my moment, it's Rafa's moment," announced the German tennis star post his exceptional clay court clash against Rafael Nadal during the French Open. The Spaniard was applauded by the 15,000 spectators in his "den", Court Philippe Chatrier, despite the melancholic goodbye at what might be his final French Open experience at Stade Roland Garros.
"If it was the final time, I enjoyed it," expressed the 37-year-old Nadal: "For me, it's so special to feel the love of the people at the place I cherish the most." For Zverev, who surpassed Nadal in the first-round encounter with 6:3, 7:6 (7:5), 6:3, Nadal had nothing but kind words: "I need to congratulate Sascha on this phenomenal match. I genuinely wish you success for the tournament. You deserve it."
In the second round, Zverev will face the winner of the match between Belgian David Goffin and Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. However, his triumph over Nadal will possibly have a lasting effect. "The level was extremely high," proclaimed the German number one to Eurosport.
Title aspirations showcased
Zverev capitalized on his opening serve against Nadal and demonstrated his championship goals powerfully. He also avenged the semifinal crisis of 2022. In that semifinal, Zverev was initially neck and neck with the winner Nadal, subsequently slumping on the red clay and eventually being removed from the court in a wheelchair.
For Nadal, who was forced to bow out of this season with his clay dream, it was his very first first-round loss at his 19th French Open journey. In his 116th match, the clay king lost for the 4th time at his valued tournament that he transformed for almost two decades.
The so-called "popcorn" match, as the organizers hailed the clash, didn't go unnoticed by the world number ones Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek. The Serb and the Pole, who even took photos, followed the nail-biting action on the spectator stands just like everyone else.
Nadal started off on edge. A blunder in the service, a double fault, and a backhand into the net - he instantaneously squandered the break to 0:1. Once Zverev triumphed in the initial game to 1:2, the audience favorite was wildly cheered, but Zverev remained unperturbed and stole Nadal's serve once more for the first set win.
Nadal energized the crowd
After Nadal defended two break points in the second set and tied the blueprint at 2:2, he pumped up the crowd. He leaped into the air and motivated them to heightened zeal. Even his wife Xisca Perello was fervently shouting. This had the desired effect: Ecstatic, Nadal shattered his German opponent's serve. When he served for the set at 5:4, however, Zverev stood out, who was also more skittish in the tiebreak.
"Compete against the player and not against the myth!" advised tennis legend Boris Becker to the German number one before the match. Zverev maintained his composure, even when Nadal snatched a break to 2:0 in the third set. In the end, Zverev's better stamina was evident. With a superb backhand pass, he secured the deciding break for 4:3.
It was feasible for the premier clash due to Nadal, who is presently ranked 275 globally, showing up at his beloved tournament unseeded as a result of his extended absence owing to injuries. He was pitted against the world number four Zverev. Although he adhered to the regulations, it was "bonkers," said former tennis player John McEnroe. Nadal could potentially return after Roland Garros if the Paris Olympics tennis tournament occurs in the first week. Nonetheless, a 20th appearance at the French Open seems virtually out of the picture.
Similar to Zverev, newcomer Henri Squire (23) also attained the second round. The qualifier from Dusseldorf won his perspective first-round match against the Australian Max Purcell following a grueling duration of playtime and two longer rain breaks with 6:2, 6:2, 3:6, 4:6, 7:6 (12:10). The world number 221 faces the 21st-ranked Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime.
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Zverev acknowledged Goffin and Perricard's impending second-round match in the French Open. "I'll be keeping an eye on that match," stated Zverev, maintaining his focus on his title ambitions in Paris, France.
Goffin, a formidable player from Belgium, sought to capitalize on his opportunity to advance further in the tournament. He displayed his tennis skills, aiming to join Zverev in the later stages of the French Open.
The spectators in Roland Garros, including locals and international fans, cheered on Goffin with enthusiasm. Their love for the sport of tennis echoed in the air, as the impressive Volley de Lov began to gain momentum.
Nadal, albeit heartbroken, extended his support to Zverev. Following their intense match, he made a cheering gesture, wishing the German player success. "Even in defeat, you demonstrated great tennis," Nadal commended Zverev.
Zverev, knowing the weight of his responsibility to live up to the high expectations, looked ahead to his next challenge. The prestigious title of the French Open was now within his grasp, and he vowed to give his best, drawing inspiration from the fervent crowd.
Fans worldwide watched the French Open, including tennis legends like Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek, who admired Zverev's resilience and determination against the "King of Clay," Rafael Nadal.
Eurosport, one of the leading sports channels, broadcasted the second round matches, providing live coverage of Zverev's journey towards the coveted title. All eyes were on Philippe Chatrier, as the stage was set for the upcoming battles of the French Open.
The 20th anniversary of Rafael Nadal's French Open journey might not have ended as he wished, but he left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired many young tennis players, including Zverev, who looked to build on Nadal's legacy in the future.
Source: www.stern.de
