Alexander Zverev’s preparation heading into Roland Garros this year has been less than ideal, but he cannot be discounted as a contender for the crowd.
After all, the German has reached at least the semi-final or beyond in each of the last four years here, and was just one set away from the title last year.
2024 marked an impressive campaign for Zverev in Paris, but his crusade to the final was actually started in the most dramatic fashion possible.
When the time came for the draw, attention was at an all-time high and all eyes were fixed on one player: Rafael Nadal.
So, when he was drawn against Alexander Zverev in the very first round, the 28-year-old became public enemy number one at the Grand Slam where he has historically performed the most consistently.
Alexander Zverev on facing Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros
Looking back upon that moment, unsurprisingly Zverev’s memories were tinged with sadness despite the nature of his straight-sets victory.
Asked about his recollection of the day, he noted: ‘For me, last year changed a lot for me. That wasn’t the best feeling in the world, when the draw came out, because when you see him on Philippe Chatrier… this is the most respected and probably the most feared athlete inside of a stadium.
‘Rafa Nadal on the Philippe Chatrier court is the most difficult task in sports history, so for me, the feeling was very different.
‘I think the fans will miss him. I think it’s good to see that Roland Garros is planning a big ceremony for him, something special. I’m looking forward to seeing what that will be.’
Rafael Nadal’s legacy at the French Open will never be touched
It’s no surprise that Zverev became a lightning rod for frustration that day, given how deservedly heralded Nadal remains at the French Open.
Such is his legacy, the Spaniard has been forever immortalised in statue form near the main entrance to the site and will be further celebrated in a ceremony this Sunday.
A 14-time champion at the event, he is the greatest champion there has ever been at any one event in the history of tennis. Nobody will ever come close to this record, especially not at a tournament as prestigious as a Grand Slam.
Appropriately dubbed the ‘King of Clay’, Nadal has built a legacy that will remain long after his retirement, which he confirmed last year.
