French Open 2024: Fourteen-time Rafael Nadal will be up against fourth-seeded German Alexander Zverev as he kicks off his campaign at Roland Garros on Monday, May 27.
Nadal had already announced that this could be the final season of his career but after arriving in Paris the Spaniard said he is yet to be sure on being ready to close the door on Roland Garros.
The 37-year-old missed last year's tournament due to injury and will be aiming to make it count on his much-awaited return but will face a challenge posed by German Zverev, who is fresh from his triumph at the Italian Open.
The last time these two faced each other was during the semi-finals of the same tournament and the thrilling contest ended with an unfortunate injury for Zverev.
Nadal went on to win yet another title in Paris, the last of his 22 Grand Slam victories.
Nadal has been away from professional action since picking up a hip injury at the Australian Open last season.
With some of the other top players such as Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, struggling with injuries of late, this could be Zverev's chance to finally win a Grand Slam.
If Zverev beats Nadal, it would be just the fourth defeat for the Spaniard in the 116 matches he has played at the French Open but it would be his earliest one.
He has never failed to make it to at least the fourth round in the elite competition.
Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev Live Streaming details
The first-round clash between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev in the French Open 2024 is set to begin around 6 PM IST on Monday, May 27.
The match will be telecasted live on Sony Sports Network whereas the live streaming of the match will be available on SonyLiv and Jio TV.
Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev Head To Head Records
Both the players have faced off 10 times on the ATP tour. Their first encounter took place in the round of 16 at the Indian Wells way back in 2016 with Nadal picking up a 6-7(8), 6-0, 7-5 win.
In their most recent meeting, Nadal was ahead by 7-6(8), 6-6 during the semifinals of the French Open two years ago when Zverev sustained an ankle injury and was forced to retire.
Check out their last five meetings
French Open (2022): Semifinal - Nadal won 7-6(8), 6-6, retd.
Italian Open (2021): Quarterfinal - Nadal won 6-3, 6-4
Madrid Open (2021): Quarterfinal - Zverev won 6-4, 6-4
Paris Masters (2020): Semifinal - Zverev won 6-4, 7-5
ATP Finals (2019): Round Robin - Zverev won 6-2, 6-4