It is no secret that Rafael Nadal, one of the all-time greats in professional tennis, wants to go out strong but his French Open 2024 campaign hits a snag after an unlucky draw in the first round.
The Spanish great will face off with Alexander Zverev who is among the favorites to win this year's Roland Garros.
The German star, currently ranked as world no. 2, is still fresh from his Italian Open 2024 Men's Single's win.
Nadal thinks the draw could've been better for his part as he sees Zvereb as a formidable foe.
"Of course on paper it is not the best draw," he told reporters.
"I play against one of the toughest opponents possible, and at the same time, he came here winning the last event and it's a Masters 1000.
"It's not a small one. So what can I do? That's the draw. Just try to be ready for it."
Nadal and Zverev have faced each other 10 times with the former winning, 7-3.
For what it's worth, Zverev feels the same about him.
"I don't want to play him in the first round, but it is how it is," Zverev said.
"He has been out injured. He hasn't played a lot of tennis. His ranking is where it is. Of course it's not ideal, but at the same time, you know, there is nothing you can do."
Rafael Nadal's retirement plans might change
Novak Djokovic previously said that he wants another showdown with Nadal. Probably in the French Open.
If things don't work out for them, Djokovic has to pray that Nadal will really change his mind.
The Spanish star hinted that he still does not know if retirement is really the next step for him.
This is because he feels healthy again.
"Physically I feel better, I am improving in different ways and I have less limitations than three or four weeks ago," he said.
"I am grateful I am able to be in Roland Garros and give myself a chance to play at least one more time here - maybe the last one, maybe not."
Related article: Italian Open 2024 Winner Alexander Zverev, Top Players Complain About Long Tight Schedule of Masters Events
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