No one desires to be the person who kills Bambi.
In 2022, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev played an intense match during the French Open, even before finishing two sets. Now, they face each other again in a potential drama.
In the years to come, Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev will meet for another heart-pounding match at Roland Garros - the famous clay court tournament. While Nadal has won the French Open 14 times, making it the largest clay court competition in the world, Zverev, a German professional, upholds the challenge. Each match Nadal plays on the massive Court Philippe-Chatrier could potentially be his last. Despite his aging body and injuries, Nadal remains hopeful.
"There's a good chance this may be my last time in Roland Garros," said Nadal, who has had a successful career. In fact, he only won 11 matches this year, earning $166,631 in the current season, but his performances on Philippe-Chatrier remain legendary. Nadal's stunning performances on the center court don't guarantee a win this year either, as in 2022, he ended up losing.
Zverev, on the other hand, seeks a new memory. "I didn't want my last memory against Nadal to be me being carried away in a wheelchair," the German expressed. When his brother and manager Mischa broke the news about the draw, he couldn't help but think it was a joke. Back in 2022, Zverev had faced Nadal in the semifinals and had experienced an energy-draining match against him in the French Open. After hours battling it out, Zverev collapsed on the court and was wheeled away before he returned on crutches to say his goodbyes. He is grateful to have one more opportunity to play against the legendary Rafael Nadal.
The status of Nadal's physical condition is unclear, as he has missed several tournaments due to injuries this year, and the French Open has been without an accomplished win. When asked about his continuing physical turmoil, he had this to say: "I'm no longer feeling the limitations I experienced from Rome. That is a significant relief."
Zverev anticipates a masterful performance from Nadal
Zverev is aware that he plays against a legend this time and won't underestimate Nadal. "I'm going into this match assuming I'll be facing a Rafael Nadal playing at his best," said Zverev, who recently won the Masters tournament in Rome. Zverev believes that no matter what, Nadal will be performing at his best during this match.
Although Zverev is confident, he also recognized the level of challenge he faces. "I'm playing against a world-famous legend, and for me, there are no question marks," he said. This meeting carries immense weight, given Nadal's storied history at the French Open.
With just a single encounter in 2022 in the semifinals, Zverev is yet to witness Nadal's full potential face to face, which he did in Rome.
The French Open organizers have reportedly made accommodations to Nadal's request to have the match played in the afternoon, not during primetime, as Zverev prefers to play early matches. Zverev is supposedly in great shape and is the favorite, according to media. If he can maintain his top performance, he has the potential to win this match.
However, there is one not-so-comfortable factor for Zverev - the favorable support of the 15,000 spectators for Nadal. Despite his recent successes, Zverev's likability pales in comparison to Nadal, who has a long and emotional bond with France.
"Andy Roddick expressed mixed emotions, knowing that they would compete if both won. 'You crave to battle your heroes,' he mentioned later, 'but at the same time, you don't want to take down Bambi,' a term he used for Becker. That role was taken by the outsider from Germany."
"Zverev shared his thoughts as well, saying, 'I didn't have any desire to face Nadal in the first round.' His aim is high in this year's tournament, chasing his first Grand Slam trophy. Beating Rafael Nadal on the famous Court Philippe-Chatrier wouldn't feel sour."
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In the upcoming French Open, Alexander Zverev will once again face off against tennis legend Rafael Nadal. Their previous encounter at the 2022 French Open saw Zverev pushing Nadal to his limits, even in a grueling semifinal match.
With Nadal holding 14 French Open titles, making it the largest clay court competition victory in the world, and Zverev looking to challenge this dominance, this year's French Open promises to be an exciting Tennis tournament, featuring the French Open and two of the sport's greatest players, Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal.
Source: www.ntv.de
