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Tennis legend Rafael Nadal is all set to face fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev in the first round of men's singles at the French Open 2024. Notably, the Spaniard who received direct entry to the main draw with protected rankings will look to see what happens in the final appearance of Roland Garros.
However, Rafael Nadal has been known as one of the most successful players in tennis history, having won titles around 14 times, and he will be looking to win the title for the 15th time. Nadal last won the marquee event in 2022 after beating Casper Ruud in the final game. However, the Spaniard missed the event in 2023 owing to the injuries. On the other hand, World Number Four and Italian Open 2024 champion Alexander Zverev has the ability to ruin the legendary tennis player's farewell run on the clay court.
After everything he has done on the courts at Roland-Garros, it's normal, respectfully, to put him as the biggest favourite: Djokovic
However, Djokovic feels that if Rafael Nadal is in the French Open draw, he cannot be ruled out despite his injury problems and struggles against a younger generation. The 37-year-old feels that Nadal is the biggest name when it comes to Roland Garros. In addition, the Serbian says that Rafael Nadal has played his biggest role at the Roland Garros court, which makes him the biggest favourite to win the title.
"This year is more open. Casper Ruud is surely one of the five players who are candidates to win. You have Alexander Zverev, Andrey Rublev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas -- all the players who won a major tournament on this surface this year. After everything he has done on the courts at Roland-Garros, it's normal, respectfully, to put him as the biggest favourite. Obviously, it's a little different with his level of play. But it's Roland-Garros, and it's Nadal. After that, maybe me, if I feel good if I play well. At Roland-Garros, and all the Grand Slams, I am a bit of a different player," Novak Djokovic said.