Cricket
French Open 2024 draw: Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev in 1st round, India’s Sumit Nagal set for tough test
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14-time champion Rafael Nadal faces one of the toughest tests of his career as he will face fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the opening men’s singles round at the French Open 2024. Nadal, unseeded at the clay-court Grand Slam, will look to make a mark in what would probably be his final appearance at Roland Garros. However, World No. 4 and Rome Masters champion Alexander Zverev could very well ruin the legendary tennis player’s farewell run in Paris.
Nadal, who has been battling multiple injury concerns in the recent past, said last year that 2024 would be his last season on the tour as a professional player. The Spaniard, who has single-handedly dominated the French Open over the last two decades, faces a stiff test against Zverev, who is on a resurgent run in the recent past. N
Nadal had expressed concerns about his fitness in the lead-up to the French Open after a string of disappointing outings on the clay swing of the season.
Nadal leads Zverev 7-3 in head-to-head meetings, but recent form will make the German a favourite. Notably, the two players last met in the semi-final of Roland Garros in 2022 — the match in which Zverev injured his ankle and took more than six months to return to competitive action.
Zverev had struggled to return to peak form after his return. However, the German seems to be on the track to his best, with consistent performances in 2024. After reaching the semi-final of the Australian Open, Zverev ended the wait for a title, winning the Rome Masters on May 24.
On the other hand, Nadal has a win-loss record of 7-4 this season. He was beaten in one-sided second round in Rome last week by Hubert Hurkacz.
FIRST-ROUND MATCHES TO WATCH OUT FOR
- Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev (4)
- Gael Monfils vvs Thiago Seyboth Wild
- Sumit Nagal vs Karen Khachanov (18)
- Stan Wawrinka vs Andy Murray
DJOKOVIC, NAGAL LEARN THEIR OPPONENTS
Meanwhile, top seed Novak Djokovic opens his campaign against veteran French player Pierre-Hugues Herbert, who received a wildcard for the French Open. Djokovic, who is yet to win a title in 2024, will be looking for an improved run, and an easier draw might help the 24-time Grand Slam champion’s case.
India’s Sumit Nagal, who earned a direct entry to the main draw after his consistent performances on the tour, will face 12th seed Karen Khachanov in the first round of the men’s singles campaign.
Last year’s losing semi-finalist Carlos Alcaraz begins against a qualifier, while newly-crowned Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner faces American Christopher Eubanks.
Meanwhile, former champion Stan Warrinka will begin his campaign against Britain’s Andy Murray in another mouth-watering opening-round match.
French Open 2024 will be played between May 26 and June 9.
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