German tennis star Alexander Zverev claims Rafael Nadal looked much better in practice at the French Open as he thinks there is something that makes the Spaniard play much better when he is at Roland Garros.
Nadal has had a very challenging clay season so far as he was foced to miss Monte Carlo and Barcelona due to an injury.
In Madrid, Nadal started his clay season but he didn’t make a really strong run as he was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal.
Nadal was hoping to do much better in Rome but that didn’t happen as he was beaten by Denis Shapovalov in the round-of-16.
Nadal was hampered by a foot issue in Rome and there are some concerns regarding his fitness level.
However, Zverev claims Nadal looked as good as ever in practice.
“We watched him practice, and all of a sudden his forehand is just 20 miles an hour faster. He moves lighter on his feet. There is something about this court that makes him play 30% better, just being on this court,” Zverev said, per Tennis Majors.
Zverev on Nadal : “We watched him practice, and all of a sudden his forehand is just 20 miles an hour faster. He moves lighter on his feet. There is something about this court that makes him play 30% better, just being on this court.”
ā Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) May 20, 2022
Nadal responds to the Zverev comment
When Nadal was asked about Zverev’s comment, he acknowledged that he has pretty successful in Barcelona, Rome and Madrid throughout his career.
“I won also a lot in Barcelona, Rome and Monte-Carlo. It’s probably not a matter of place. My level of tennis on clay has been high for a long time. But I didn’t have the preparation I would have liked. In sports, things change quickly,” Nadal said.
Nadal on Zverev’s comment : “I won also a lot in Barcelone, Rome and Monte-Carlo. It’s probably not a matter of place. My level of tennis on clay has been high for a long time. But I didn’t have the preparation I would have liked. In sports, things change quickly.” #RolandGarros
ā Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) May 20, 2022
Zverev enters this year’s French Open hoping to finally make a big Grand Slam breakthrough and capture his maiden Grand Slam.
On the other side, Nadal is aiming a record 22nd Grand Slam and his 14th French Open title.
Zverev and Nadal are considered among favorites for the French Open title.