PARIS — Alexander Zverev expressed his admiration and surprise after sharing the practice court with Rafael Nadal ahead of the French Open, calling the experience "unforgettable" as the Spanish legend continues his farewell tour on clay.
The German world No. 4, who recently won the Italian Open, revealed he was taken aback by Nadal’s intensity during their session at Roland Garros. "I was surprised by how sharp he still is," Zverev said. "His movement, his forehand—it’s still Rafa. You never count him out, especially here."
Nadal’s Return to Roland Garros
Nadal, a 14-time French Open champion, has been battling injuries over the past two years but remains determined to compete at his most successful tournament one last time. The 37-year-old has played sparingly in 2024, with his most recent match being a second-round exit in Rome.
Zverev, who faced Nadal in the 2022 French Open semifinals before the Spaniard withdrew due to injury, acknowledged the emotional weight of Nadal’s potential final appearance. "It’s special to share the court with him, knowing this could be his last Roland Garros," he said. "He’s a legend, and we all want to see him compete here as long as possible."
Zverev’s Respect for Nadal’s Work Ethic
The practice session between the two players lasted nearly two hours, with Zverev praising Nadal’s relentless approach. "He doesn’t take a single ball lightly," Zverev noted. "Even in practice, he fights for every point like it’s a Grand Slam final."
Zverev, who has faced Nadal nine times on tour (winning three), highlighted the Spaniard’s unique preparation:
- "He’s the only player who warms up for practice like it’s a match."
- "His intensity never drops—whether it’s drills or points."
- "You can see why he’s won so much. The discipline is unreal."
Nadal’s Legacy on Clay
Nadal’s dominance at Roland Garros is unparalleled, with a staggering 112-3 record. Zverev, who has reached the semifinals in Paris three times, admitted that playing Nadal on clay remains the ultimate challenge. "Even now, if he’s healthy, he’s the favorite," Zverev said. "The court, the crowd, his mentality—it’s all built for him."
Zverev’s Own French Open Ambitions
Coming off his sixth Masters title in Rome, Zverev enters Roland Garros as one of the top contenders. He reached the final in 2020 (losing to Dominic Thiem) and has been consistent on clay this season. "I feel confident, but you always have to respect the history here," he said. "Rafa, Novak [Djokovic], Carlos [Alcaraz]—they’re all threats."
Zverev also reflected on his 2022 semifinal against Nadal, where he suffered a severe ankle injury. "That match changed a lot for me," he admitted. "But I’ve worked hard to come back stronger, and now I’m ready to compete for the title again."
Conclusion: A Moment to Remember
As Nadal’s career winds down, moments like these—sharing the court with a future Hall of Famer—become even more meaningful. Zverev summed it up best: "Practicing with Rafa here is something I’ll tell my kids about. He’s the king of clay for a reason."
With the French Open set to begin, all eyes will be on Nadal’s form and whether Zverev can finally break through for his first Grand Slam title. One thing is certain: their practice session was a reminder of tennis’s enduring rivalries and mutual respect.