French Open 2024: Alexander Zverev vs Rafael Nadal preview, head-to-head, prediction, live streaming details

Published at :May 25, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Modified at :May 25, 2024 at 6:00 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Unseeded Nadal takes on in-form Zverev in the opening round.

Rafael Nadal, the 14-time Roland Garros champion, will be taking on World No. #4 Alexander Zverev in a blockbuster opening round clash at French Open 2024.

The 37-year-old, holder of a 112-3 record at the clay-court major, arrives in Paris after a second-round exit from the Italian Open. Their first-round clash will be a re-match of the 2022 French Open semi-final. In that match, Zverev retired with an ankle injury in the second set nearly three hours into the match.

Possible second round opponents for the winner are David Goffin or French wildcard Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Nadal or Zverev could potentially cross paths with two-time quarter-finalist Holger Rune in the fourth round.

Alexander Zverev vs Rafael Nadal match details

Date: May 26 (Sunday)

Time: 3:30 PM IST (Tentative)

Venue: Stade Roland Garros, Paris

Alexander Zverev vs Rafael Nadal preview

The last time these two met, it was advantage Nadal just before his well-documented injury-related break from the game. The Spaniard went on to win the French Open title that year for his record-breaking 14th trophy in Paris. Now, back on the clay courts in Paris after missing out on last season’s edition, it is Zverev who wears the hat of the favourite in their upcoming first-round clash.

Zverev is riding on a high after winning the Internazionali BNL d’Italia for a second time after a gap of seven years. The German eclipsed compatriot Boris Becker for most ATP 1000 titles since the format was introduced in 1990.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 10

Rafael Nadal – 7

Alexander Zverev – 3

Nadal leads Zverev 7-3 in their career head-to-head, and more importantly, the Spaniard is 5-1 on clay against the German. Zverev last defeated Nadal in the ATP Masters 1000 Madrid quarterfinal in 2021.

Where and how to watch the live streaming and TV broadcast of Alexander Zverev vs Rafael Nadal, French Open 2024 first round match in India?

The much-anticipated opening round match of French Open 2024 between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev will be available for Indian viewers on the Sony Network and their streaming service SonyLiv.

Tennis TV also adds to the options available for streaming the clay-court Grand Slam tournament when it begins on Sunday, May 26th. More details here.

Prediction

All eyes will be on Nadal and Zverev as the pair meet for their 11th and possibly last meeting before the Spanish great hangs up his tennis shoes at the end of the ongoing season.

Zverev will be determined to narrow the four-match gap in his head-to-head record against Nadal. The stage is set for an epic opening round between fourth seed Zverev and an unseeded Nadal, who relied on his protected ranking to make the main draw.

Even when weakened, it would not be wise to write Nadal off from pulling off a win on his favourite surface. After all, Nadal has lost only three times in Paris in his professional career.

Nadal will look to lift ‘The Coupe des Mousquetaires’ as the men’s singles trophy is known, for the 15th time in his stellar career. A convincing start against Zverev will provide the much-needed boost to the Mallorcan’s chances towards that end.

The Spaniard, who turns 38 on June 3rd, has an impressive 91% win rate on clay. Among Nadal’s 92 singles titles, 63 have come on clay alone – such is the former World No. #1 mastery of the surface.

Zverev has a winning percentage of 73% in Paris and has won eight titles on clay. Nadal is 6-1 in 2024 after winning the first set, while his German rival is 22-2. Taking the first set will be crucial for both players’ chances of moving into the second round.

Nadal’s 5-1 lead over Zverev is a factor that will weigh on Zverev’s mind going into the match on Sunday. A win against the latter could see Nadal reach the last 16 before running into a serious challenger again. For that outcome, Nadal will have to ensure a straight-set win, as it is unlikely he can withstand a five-setter against Zverev.

Result: Rafael Nadal to win in three sets.

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