Tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the clash between Zverev and Nadal.

The French Open tournament is underway. - Zverev and Nadal's tennis showdown delights spectators.

Ahead of their highly anticipated sand duel, tennis legends Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal peered on from afar. While the Spanish clay king practiced backhands in his sweat-drenched gray muscle shirt, the German up-and-coming Jean Bouin couldn't help but observe as he stepped into the Jean Bouin training center.

This Monday, the two world-renowned players will square off directly. A high-stakes clash with a crowd of 15,000 spectators expected on Court Philippe Chatrier, kicking off the French Open.

The event planners dubbed it the "popcorn" match of the first round - it may even top the entire tournament. With the promise of intense exchanges, this match pits mastery against momentum, a defending champion versus an Olympic gold medalist. The notion that it could mark Nadal's final appearance at his favorite event during his farewell tour only heightens the anticipation. Additionally, the memories of the semi-final drama in Paris two years ago, when Zverev first met Nadal on an even playing field, then buckled and was wheeled from the court add further intrigue.

At first, Zverev thought the matchup was a prank. After his brother and manager Mischa broke the news, the Hamburg native originally believed it was a practical joke. Now, Zverev welcomes the opportunity to lock horns with such a celebrated icon. "I'm thrilled to face a legend like Rafael Nadal again."

Tellingly, the circumstances are different this time: Following his Masters victory in Rome, the decade-younger Zverev enters as a favorite and tournament front-runner. In contrast, the wait-and-see Nadal (37), who has achieved 122 victories and 3 losses at Roland Garros with no first-round eliminations, arrives as an underdog. Due to his recent extended injury-related absence, Nadal won't even be seeded at this second Grand Slam tournament of the year, unlike Zverev.

Surprisingly, this duel won't unfold on Nadal's beloved Court Philippe Chatrier, but in the afternoon. It seems the organizers acceded to a wish of the Spaniard. It's worth noting that Zverev prefers later matches. Could this be the first move in a game of psychological warfare?

Germany's number one, Zverev, will need more than his signature serves and backhands to prevail against Nadal. "He simply steps onto the court, plays on Philippe Chatrier, and something happens to him and his opponents," tennis veteran Boris Becker shared on Eurosport. "Rafael Nadal and Roland Garros - that's the greatest love story in tennis."

Becker recommended the prodigious talent to approach the early showdown with as much detachment as possible. He urged Zverev not to tackle "the myth of Nadal" but to face "the current Nadal of today: a 37-year-old Spaniard from Mallorca." Yet, Zverev defied this suggestion. "Am I not of the opinion," he retorted, "that I'm going to take on a Rafa Nadal at his peak?"

Zverev consistently stressed that Nadal in Paris would "regain his old Rafael Nadal" and "deliver his best tennis." "For me, there's no doubt about it." Even longtime rival Roger Federer, who now cheers Nadal on, asserted, "I believe Rafa is still capable of a brilliant performance at Roland Garros."

Nadal, known for shaping the tournament for almost two decades with his 14 overall wins (more than anyone else), senses "a slight chance." Since his recent comeback in mid-April, the 22-time Grand Slam tournament winner has demonstrated underwhelming performances on his preferred surface, clay. However, in training, he feels stronger in recent days. "If I didn't harbor deep hope in my heart to excel here, I wouldn't be here."

With his potentially final swan song approaching, Nadal didn't journey to Paris for a warm, teary goodbye. Instead, he trusts in the surprised matchup against Zverev and the "great support of the people, which gives me tremendous energy."

Zverev understands the decisive role the crowd's noise level plays. "The French fans are exceptionally loud. It's always more enjoyable, more delightful when they're with you as opposed to against you." Zverev has gained sympathy with the audience following his own unique event history: "I have a deep connection with Paris."