Rafael Nadal will start his French Open 2024 campaign with a tough first-round clash against Alexander Zverev on Monday.
The meeting will bring back contrasting memories for both players of the last time they met, in a French Open semi-final in 2022, when Rafa went on to win yet another title in Paris, the last of his 22 Grand Slam victories.
Date: May 27, 2024
Match time: 3 PM local time / 9 AM EDT – New York, Montreal / 2 PM BST – United Kingdom / 3 PM CET – Spain, France, Germany, Italy, 3 PM SAST – South Africa / 6:30 PM IST – New Delhi / 11 PM AEST – Melbourne. To convert to your local time, use this website.
It’s not ideal the first match, because I feel competitive to have this match later in the tournament, but it’s how it is.
I need to be ready since the beginning. Let’s see.
Rafa Nadal
I really wanted to play him here. I did not want to play him in the first round. I wanted to play him in the semi-finals, finals, a later stage of the tournament.
But at the end of the day, he’s not seeded, it is how it is, and I think we’re both prepared for a tough battle.
Alexander Zverev
Rafa has won five of the six head-to-head meetings on clay, but Zverev is coming off an Italian Open title.
GOOD LUCK & VAMOS RAFA!
Was not meant to be today.
Proud of the fight.
For sure Mac
Oh I’m using bad words about Sascha now!!
My heart is sinking for Rafa playing good but not finding his mojo consistently
You’re right…he wasn’t consistent enough… I feel numb… I only have one little glimmer of hope… As a season ticket holder to the US Open I can only pray that Rafa makes a decision in the next two months to try for one more grand slam in New York …a place that adores him… Honestly, even up to yesterday, I thought there’s no way he’s going to come here to play the open and now I can’t give up the hope that there’s a tiny chance that he would. Believe me, I’m realistic that the chances are so small but maybe like Nadal I’m not willing to give up on him right now… I don’t think I can. It’s been 20 years. I don’t want to say goodbye yet…. I want to see him one more time…😢
Rafa’s warming up now. Thank God it’s the best of 5
Hang in there boys and girls… He’s finding his mojo!!
VAMOS RAFA!!!!
Rafa is grinding it out there. Hang in there champ!
Finally Mac he breaks by attacking. Vamos Rafa
Rafa needs to find his game showed glimpses but not there. Come on Rafa show him whose court is this
Unfortunately roof closed and clay moist/wet. Let’s just hope and pray 🙏 🙏🙏
Goosebumps as Rafa arrives on Phillip chattrier
Everyone – get ready for this. Win or lose – Rafa will give of his best!!
Vamos Rafa
🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻 We all know that something magical happens for Rafa when he plays RG! Win or lose Rafa will always be the king of Roland Garros! It’s a tough start, but Rafa is ready.. Hail to the king!
Good luck and Vamos Rafa❤️
Unfortunately, the weather forecast does not favour Rafa’s playing style. Warm, sunny conditions would suit Rafa and enable him to make the most of his famous topspin forehand. It looks like it is going to be played with the roof closed, favouring Zverev. I dearly hope that Rafa can still somehow find a way. We all know Rafa will fight to the end because he has always been a great warrior on the court. Such bad luck to be drawn against a big server, who is playing as well as he has ever played, under a closed roof! Vamos Rafa.