No individual desires to be the one who fires at Bambi.
In 2022, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev had an unforgettable battle at the French Open, though their match didn't even finish two sets. Now, they're facing each other again, and it's shaping up to be another high-stakes match.
Destiny has led Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev to face each other one last time at Roland Garros: Zverev, a professional German player, squares off against the Spaniard, the legendary king of clay courts, in the initial round of the world's most significant sand court tournament. Nadal has won the French Open 14 times, and every step on the red clay of the colossal Court Philippe-Chatrier could be his last. Nadal's illustrious career is coming to an end, even though he recently stated, "I won't say it's 100%, but there's a great chance that this is my last time in Roland Garros!"
Nadal has returned his weary body to Grand Slam form. The evidence appeared when the 37-year-old participated in eleven matches this year, losing four of them. He earned just $166,631 in the current season. It doesn't matter: When Nadal steps onto Philippe-Chatrier, incredible things can happen. Or suspense.
Zverev seeks a new memory
"I really wanted to play against Rafa again in my career," said Zverev. "I didn't want my last memory against Nadal to be me being wheeled off on a stretcher."
When his brother and manager Mischa informed him about the draw, he initially thought it was a prank. The last time, back in May 2022, Zverev experienced a drama. The two dueled at the highest level for nearly three hours on Philippe-Chatrier when Zverev crumpled profoundly in a court corner.
Zverev's shrieks from that day remain embedded in the memory of every tennis fan, as he was carried off in a wheelchair after several minutes and then returned to the court on crutches to bid farewell to the referee, fans, and his visibly shaken opponent. And they meet again. In the interim, Zverev and Nadal have become friends. "I'm thrilled to play against such a legend again."
What Nadal, who has only lost two of his 109 matches on clay, can still perform feats on center court is debatable. He had to scrap several tournaments this year because of injury, and a major victory remains elusive in 2024. Nadal described his physical condition thus: "I no longer feel the limitations from Rome in both directions. That's significant to me."
"No doubts" for Zverev
Zverev won't let himself be misled: "In my mind, I'm assuming I'll be playing against a Rafael Nadal at the pinnacle." Zverev, the world number four, won the Masters event in Rome most recently. In Paris, Zverev is convinced, ailing Nadal will "be back to his former Rafael Nadal," and "play his finest tennis. To me, there's no question mark."
Zverev isn't playing against the current 275th in the world rankings, he's playing against a legend. And maybe Zverev secretly dreams of being the one to bring an end to the great love story between Nadal and the French Open. The first-round matchup against Nadal at the French Open 2024: It's undeniably the very worst possible draw for a seeded player - sportingly, emotionally.
"The game isn't broadcast during prime time but rather in the afternoon. According to reports, the organizers have granted Nadal's request. It's known that Zverev dislikes early matches more. Zverev is in top form, ascending to the pinnacle, and if he can liberate himself from the circumstances, he could win the game."
The 15,000 spectators who witness the top match of the first round - arguably the most significant of the entire tournament - won't be on Zverev's side. Defying Zverev's recent achievements in Paris, the relationship between Nadal and the French is much too intimate. Nobody wants things to come to an end.
In the role Zverev might find himself was described by US pro Andy Roddick in 2006. At the US Open, the legendary Andre Agassi was on his farewell tour, which lasted for years as he struggled with his body. Agassi battles his way through the third round in New York, half-sprinting in Grand Slam form while battling severe back pain that compelled him to sleep on the hotel room's hard bed while the softer bed was excruciating. Then, the legendary Agassi met the German prodigy Benjamin Becker.
Becker had fought his way through the qualifiers and defeated Agassi in straight sets on Center Court, marking the end of one of the greatest sports careers of our time. Agassi sat on his chair, heartbroken, crying for several minutes, while Becker felt queasy at the winner's protocol. Both knew the historical depth of the moment.
Source: Bild.de**
"Andy Roddick expressed mixed emotions," he later remarked, having eliminated Becker in the quarterfinals. "On one hand, you dream of playing against your heroes. Yet, on the other, you don't wish to be the one who shoots Bambi. This feeling of being denied this role by the underdog, Becker, was unfortunate."
"I'd rather not face Nadal in the first round," shared Zverev, with ambitions set high in Paris and chasing his maiden Grand Slam win. Triumphing over Rafael Nadal on Court Philippe-Chatrier would never be unpleasant, he added, especially considering the year it was."
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In the world of tennis, Alexander Zverev eagerly anticipates his match against Rafael Nadal at the French Open. This rematch comes after their thrilling encounter in 2022, which unfortunately ended before they could complete two sets.
Reflecting on their past encounter, Zverev shared, "I really didn't want my last memory against Nadal to be me being wheeled off on a stretcher." This time around, he aims to create a new, more successful memory in their confrontation.
Source: www.ntv.de
