Andy Roddick was just about left in shock and disbelief after studying Alexander Zverev can be Rafael Nadal’s opening opponent on the French Open because the American tennis legend boldly predicted the Spaniard would go on to succeed in the semifinal if he efficiently overcame the latest Rome Masters champion.
Nadal, who’s returning to the French Open for the primary time since 2022 and doubtless having his final run at Roland Garros, is ready to battle in opposition to No. 4 seed Zverev – in what shall be a rematch of their notorious 2022 French Open semifinal when the German tore a number of ankle ligaments in a terrifying scene.
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However in comparison with Nadal’s earlier runs, he’s not coming into this yr’s French Open as one of many high favorites for the title because the state of affairs with the Spaniard’s damage points and type is well-documented.
As Roddick was breaking down the French Open bracket and studying about first-round matchups, he began cursing and simply being shocked after studying in regards to the Nadal and Zverev matchup.
“I hate what I am about to say, I hate what I am about to say. This has so many layers. Clearly a handful of favorites coming in, final time they performed at this event Zverev breaks his ankle and is out for a yr plus,” Roddick mentioned on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast.
“And Rafa, our expensive Rafa. Our buddy, his final Roland Garros, Rafa. I am not going to say it, [to producer] are you able to say it for me? I am unable to, I am not going to say it out loud.”
Roddick: If Nadal will get by means of this, he’ll attain the French Open semifinal
After the podcast’s producer dropped Zverev’s title, Roddick added: “If we’re going to spin it positively for Rafa, I believe his finest likelihood of creating a deep run is getting by means of a match like this primary.”
Then, co-host Jon Wertheim talked about that Nadal and Zverev are once more about to play on the identical event and identical venue the place the German suffered an damage that he initially feared would finish his profession. Additionally, Wertheim famous that Nadal is a file 14-time French Open champion and that the group will totally stand behind him.
With that being mentioned, Wertheim urged that Nadal will most likely have some psychological benefit when he and Zverev meet.
“Rafa’s going to the semifinals if he wins this match,” Roddick added.
