RG R1: ZVEREV v NADAL

Rattie

Legend


Rafael Nadal says it may not be his last Roland Garros, and that he can now run without limitations for the first time since his comeback:

“Is this my last Roland Garros? Probably yes, but I don't want to say 100%. I don’t want to close the door. This place is magical for me.

I may say yes in a couple of months, but I feel better than a month and a half ago.

I am enjoying and feel competitive in training. I can play against anyone and I don't feel worse than others. That gives me hope. I progressed since Rome, especially in terms of movement. I can run without limitations now.

I'm not anxious, I'm focused on trying to play. Maybe I will repeat the disaster of Rome but in my mind I’m going to give myself a chance to be competitive here. The answer will be on Monday."
 


Rafael Nadal says it may not be his last Roland Garros, and that he can now run without limitations for the first time since his comeback:

“Is this my last Roland Garros? Probably yes, but I don't want to say 100%. I don’t want to close the door. This place is magical for me.

I may say yes in a couple of months, but I feel better than a month and a half ago.

I am enjoying and feel competitive in training. I can play against anyone and I don't feel worse than others. That gives me hope. I progressed since Rome, especially in terms of movement. I can run without limitations now.

I'm not anxious, I'm focused on trying to play. Maybe I will repeat the disaster of Rome but in my mind I’m going to give myself a chance to be competitive here. The answer will be on Monday."
This is literally the first time in his career he’s been talking UP his chances like he did in Rome before getting smashed by Hurk. In the past it was always, “I try my berry best, no?” and he’d proceed to lose a few games here and there on clay. Now he’s been very optimistic only to play blasted off the court in three different matches.

It is RG, so you never know but he lost so badly to Hurk and Lehecka, two guys who can serve, both with worse overall strokes than Zverev, worse movement as well, better in the forecourt, though. It will be harder to wipe Rafiro off the court at RG compared to a quicker Rome and Madrid, though.
 

Rattie

Legend
This is literally the first time in his career he’s been talking UP his chances like he did in Rome before getting smashed by Hurk. In the past it was always, “I try my berry best, no?” and he’d proceed to lose a few games here and there on clay. Now he’s been very optimistic only to play blasted off the court in three different matches.

It is RG, so you never know but he lost so badly to Hurk and Lehecka, two guys who can serve, both with worse overall strokes than Zverev, worse movement as well, better in the forecourt, though. It will be harder to wipe Rafiro off the court at RG compared to a quicker Rome and Madrid, though.
As far as I recall he did not talk up his chances on the earlier tournaments. As the tweet states, he feels better than he did then. I don’t expect him to win but as he has said time and again, he will play if he feels competitive enough.
 

Rattie

Legend
Yes, what happened there? I seemed to remember a thread and I posted in it. Don't remember anything controversial, but maybe that came later?
I’ve no idea but knowing this forum, some people no doubt ended up in some sort of slanging match, probably because Zverev has a cloud hanging over him off court. If this thread stays on topic - talking only about the match - then things should be fine.

Meanwhile @Halba could do with creating a poll.
 

BeatlesFan

Bionic Poster
Nadal could make me and many have egg on our faces. I give him little chance but he’s surprised us many times before.
We both predicted a relatively straightforward win for Zedrot. After watching Nadal's practice set against Rune, he is moving better and hitting with more depth. I still think Chainz will win the match, but Rafa hopefully wins a set or pulls out a miraculous upset. A big mountain to climb though.
 
We both predicted a relatively straightforward win for Zedrot. After watching Nadal's practice set against Rune, he is moving better and hitting with more depth. I still think Chainz will win the match, but Rafa hopefully wins a set or pulls out a miraculous upset. A big mountain to climb though.
This is true. Nadal is building up and has a had very successful practice week. He could surprise but I’m still taking Zverev. It could be closer than we think though.
 

Rattler

Hall of Fame
Is it just me, or is anyone else doubting Zverev’s mental strength here?

I have a feeling his resolve will fail him.

I guess we’ll know soon enough.
 

BeatlesFan

Bionic Poster
GOXxz6JXoAAIqNG
 

Lauren_Girl'

Hall of Fame
Nah that’s not real, every match is listed at that time


Not sure but from what I've heard, Monday afternoon (Paris time). Probably the last match of the day session. Start at 11 a.m. + 2 WTA matches. So it should start around 3 or 4 p.m.

But the official schedule isn't out yet, it isn't released before the previous afternoon. It could also be the 2nd match (so 1 p. m) but 3rd match is more likely.
 

McGradey

Hall of Fame
Based on form this should be a dominant win for Z. But if anyone can fail to win a match they’re expected to, it’s him. Should be quite a good match. Nadal will probably play a lot better than he did in Rome etc.
 

albertobra

Hall of Fame
Yes, what happened there? I seemed to remember a thread and I posted in it. Don't remember anything controversial, but maybe that came later?

Yep unfortunately the thread has been deleted do to some wannabe judges that have in the gossip their style of living.
Anyway let's get this one going. It just needs a poll!
I had voted Rafa in 5.
 

DSH

Talk Tennis Guru
Based on form this should be a dominant win for Z. But if anyone can fail to win a match they’re expected to, it’s him. Should be quite a good match. Nadal will probably play a lot better than he did in Rome etc.
I hope it is a competitive match and that the Spanish player finds his best version so far this season.
:D
 

marc45

G.O.A.T.
Wont't be raining between 2 pm and 6 pm, which will be the time of the match.

No rain, no roof.
might go after 6 though, they don't start until noon.....see if Ons or her opponent can get a quick win...Iga should do her one hour hit job
 

NeutralFan

G.O.A.T.
Op son where is the poll? I would voted Nadal had they played in qf (with Nadal having some matches to get into form) but in first round he's vulnerable( with his movement and form) it's going to be an uphill task for Nadal. Z is the worst possible opponent he would have played in first round ( after Djokovic)
 

Nate7-5

Hall of Fame
This is one of those matches where no outcome would surprise me. Nadal has been winning practice sets against top players, but that could mean nothing and he loses 0-3. Or he could win 3-0.
 
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Big_Dangerous

Talk Tennis Guru
This is one of those matches where no outcome would surprise me. Nadal has been winning pracice sets against top players, but that could mean nothing and he loses 0-3. Or he could win 3-0.
I can't see him straight setting Zverev, but I wouldn't be surprised if he pulled the upset because of where he's playing and how good he is on clay even if he's not in the best form.
 

Krish0608

G.O.A.T.
Rafa has been holding back his true power level, quite a bit in the warmup tournaments and practice. I think he's going to go ballistic today and roll back the years as he's done so often on this court.
 
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