Rafael Nadal To Face Alexander Zverev In French Open's Opening Round

Rafael Nadal is set to commence his French Open journey against fourth seed Alexander Zverev. The 14-time champion is approaching what is likely his final tournament at Roland-Garros. Nadal has indicated plans to retire at the end of 2024, following a series of hip and abdominal injuries.

Nadal's record of 14 titles in Paris surpasses any other man's achievements at a single major. Novak Djokovic follows with 10 titles at the Australian Open. Having missed the last four majors, Nadal arrived at Roland-Garros on Monday. His first challenge will be against world number four Zverev, who recently won the Italian Open.

In the second round, Nadal could face either David Goffin or Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Notably, Nadal holds the record for the most wins against top-5 opponents at Roland Garros since the ATP Rankings began in 1974, with 20 victories.

20 - Rafael Nadal is the only player with more than 10 wins against top-5 opponents at the Roland Garros since the ATP Rankings were published in 1974 (20). Hope. #NadalZverev #RolandGarros | @rolandgarros @atptour pic.twitter.com/XkdNAHTNeN

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) May 23, 2024

Nadal and Zverev last met during the semi-finals of the 2022 French Open, where Zverev retired due to an ankle injury after over three hours of play. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will begin his title defence against Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Djokovic aims to maintain his top ATP ranking against competition from Jannik Sinner.

Sinner, who won the Australian Open, will face Christopher Eubanks in his opening match. Third seed Carlos Alcaraz is set to compete against a qualifier. Andy Murray, also likely playing his final French Open, has drawn a challenging first-round match against 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka.

3 - Excluding the Big-3 (Djokovic, Federer and Nadal), Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka have been the players with the most Men's Singles Grand Slam titles this Century (three, level with Andre Agassi). Nostalgic. #MurrayWawrinka #RolandGarros | @rolandgarros @atptour

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) May 23, 2024

Iga Swiatek begins her quest for a third consecutive French Open title against either a qualifier or a lucky loser. Naomi Osaka could be her second-round opponent if she overcomes Italy's Lucia Bronzetti in her opening match.

Coco Gauff shares Swiatek's side of the draw. Second seed Arnya Sabalenka will start her campaign against Erika Andreeva in the opposite half. Elena Rybakina is anticipated to be Sabalenka's semi-final opponent.