'He is not the same Rafa' - Novak Djokovic on Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev opening round clash at French Open 2024

Novak Djokovic has faced Rafael Nadal 10 times at the French Open, losing eight.

ATP World No. #1 Novak Djokovic has stated that the first-round match between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev at the French Open 2024 would be a spectacle.

On Thursday, the draw for the 2024 Roland Garros was announced. Interestingly, 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal has been drawn against Germany’s Alexander Zverev, who has been in red-hot form lately.

The German tennis star won the 2024 Italian Open. Moreover, the 27-year-old has managed to reach the semifinals of the French Open in the last three editions. During the 2022 Roland Garros semi-final, he faced Rafael Nadal. However, the German was forced to retire after he suffered a knee injury during the fixture.

Zverev was giving tough competition to Nadal, as the scores were 7-6 (10-8), 6-6, before the 27-year-old retired. Thus, after almost two years, the two tennis stars are again set to face each other at Stade Roland Garros. During a recent interview, Djokovic was asked about the upcoming fixture.

The Serb stated that Zverev is in great form, especially after he won the ATP 1000 title in Rome. Meanwhile, Nadal has struggled with form, and his injuries have played a major role in recent losses. However, Novak Djokovic still stated that the King of Clay could turn things around at the French Open.

Also Read: Rafael Nadal handed tough draw at French Open 2024, check full draw

Djokovic said, “Yes, I’ve seen it. Total spectacle. I’m excited to see that match, it will be a very interesting match. Zverev is in great shape, having won in Rome. On the court at Roland Garros, he is not the same Rafa that we are used to. It’s Roland Garros, so we’ll see what happens.”

Novak Djokovic is currently playing at the ATP 250 Geneva Open, where he defeated Yannick Hanfmann and Tallon Griekspoor to reach the semifinals. In the last four, he’ll be facing Tomas Machac. At the 2024 French Open, the Serb will commence his campaign against Home Hope Pierre-Hugues Herbert on Sunday, May 26.

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