shot-button
Olympic 2024 Olympic 2024
Home > Sports News > Other Sports News > Article > French Open Flash from the past Five previous meetings between Nadal and Zverev

French Open: Flash from the past! Five previous meetings between Nadal and Zverev

Updated on: 26 May,2024 06:52 PM IST  |  Paris
mid-day online correspondent |

The 14-time Roland Garros champion has only played four tournaments since January 2023 due to injuries but holds a 7-3 winning record over Zverev

French Open: Flash from the past! Five previous meetings between Nadal and Zverev

Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev (Pic: AFP)

Rafael Nadal faces Alexander Zverev on Monday as he opens what is likely to be his final French Open campaign with a tough assignment against the world number four. The 14-time Roland Garros champion has only played four tournaments since January 2023 due to injuries but holds a 7-3 winning record over Zverev. Mid-Day takes a look at five previous meetings between Nadal and Zverev ahead of their French Open encounter:


2016 Indian Wells last 16 Nadal 6-7 (8/10), 6-0 7-5 -- A teenage Zverev enjoyed a breakthrough tournament at Indian Wells, knocking out seeds Grigor Dimitrov and Gilles Simon to reach the fourth round of a Masters event for the first time. The German made a mark in his maiden match against Nadal, saving two set points before taking the first set in a tie-break. Nadal fought back to force a decider, but Zverev created the chance to serve for victory when leading 5-3, only to miss a match point and lose five straight games as he tumbled to defeat.


2017 Australian Open 3rd rd Nadal 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2 -- The pair's second meeting was their first at a Grand Slam tournament. Zverev took control of the match early on, building a two-sets-to-one lead. But again Nadal battled back in trademark fashion, eventually securing victory after more than four hours on court. Nadal went on to lose a memorable final against Roger Federer.


Also Read: Age barrier for Rafael Nadal? Not quite! Here's three 40-something trailblazers

2018 Rome Open final Nadal 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 -- Zverev's first defence of a Masters 1000 title was a strong one in Rome six years ago, as he set up his only meeting with Nadal in a final to date. The Spaniard, though, was too strong for his young rival once more, clinching his eighth of 10 Rome triumphs with his fifth win against Zverev in as many matches.

2019 ATP Finals round robin Zverev 6-2, 6-4 -- Zverev finally got the better of Nadal at the 2019 season-ending Finals in London during the group phase. The German dominated on the indoor hard court and eventually finished second in the group ahead of Nadal on set difference. But Zverev's title defence ended in the semi-finals with defeat by Dominic Thiem.

2022 French Open semi-finals Nadal 7-6 (10/8), 6-6 -- retired -- Nadal and Zverev's most recent meeting was their most memorable. Ahead of the second time they had played each other at a Grand Slam and the first time in the second week, Zverev had high hopes of becoming only the third player to ever defeat Nadal at Roland Garros. Nadal won a marathon first set after Zverev blew a 6-2 lead in the tie-break. After more than three hours on court, Zverev suffered a nasty ankle injury while hitting a forehand wide which levelled the second set at 6-6, leaving the court in a wheelchair before confirming he could not continue. Nadal beat Casper Ruud in the final to win his 14th French Open. Zverev did not play again in 2022.

(With AFP inputs)

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK