Rafael Nadal’s French Open draw labelled ‘destiny’ as it leaves former Spanish star stunned
Alex Corretja has described Rafael Nadal drawing Alexander Zverev in the opening round of the 2024 French Open as “absolutely stunning” and suggested it is “destiny.”
The former world No 2 feels Nadal winning would be “very unexpected based on form”, but revealed he is “expecting something very, very special” from the match.
Nadal’s current world ranking of 276 meant he was unseeded in the Roland Garros draw and could, therefore, face any of the other 127 players in the first round.
The 37-year-old Spaniard, who is likely playing the French Open for the last time, could not have been given a much more challenging opener.
Zverev, who is the current world No 4, won the Italian Open Masters 1000 event last week and is a three time semi-finalist at the Paris Major.
The blockbuster matchup is a rematch of the infamous 2022 French Open semi-final where Zverev suffered a horrific ankle injury late in the second set.
Nadal was leading 7-6(8), 6-6 in a gruelling contest that had already lasted over three hours when the German tore ligaments in his ankle and was forced to leave the court in a wheelchair. The Mallorcan went on to win his 14th Roland Garros crown and 22nd Grand Slam title.
Corretja, a two-time finalist at Roland Garros, gave his reaction to the brutal draw and discussed his great compatriot’s chances.
“This is absolutely stunning,” Corretja told Eurosport. “It’s crazy and unbelievable how precious destiny can be. We know what happened last time they played each other at Roland Garros.
“Now Zverev is probably the guy who is in the best shape on the men’s tour right now and is probably one of the favourites to win the tournament. Facing Rafa, it’s unbelievable, the attention of the whole world will be on this.
“Even if it’s still one of the toughest opponents Rafa can face in the first round, he can just relieve this pressure straight away.
“He doesn’t need to think about his performance or shape beforehand. Whoever he drew was going to be a tough match in a best-of-five with all the attention on him right.
“If he wins, it’s unbelievable. If not, it’s just normal as Zverev is in great shape as I said. It’s huge attention for the tournament
“For Sascha [Zverev], winning in Rome and then being one of the main favourites for the tournament, and having to face Rafa in round one is incredible.
“Whoever wins has to be one of the main favourites. Sascha has been practising so hard in the past few years, both physically and emotionally. And he will have to play exceptionally well.
“It doesn’t matter if Rafa wins, but if he does, it’s huge. It would be very unexpected based on form but nothing he does can surprise us considering how much success he has had here.
“For Rafa, it’ll be tough to play any opponent. The fact he needs to give 100% from round one is so different for him. He will give everything he possibly has. I’m expecting something very, very special.”
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