I am improving in different ways – Rafael Nadal optimistic ahead of Roland Garros opener against Alexander Zverev

The last time Rafael Nadal met Alexander Zverev, it was the gripping semifinal of the Roland Garros 2022 as high-quality tennis was on display. The German suffered a horrific ankle injury and had to withdraw as the Spaniard won his 14th French Open title by beating Casper Ruud in the final.

Since then a lot has changed. While Zverev took almost a year to recover, Nadal has had injuries in the last 18 months. Nadal recently made a return to tour and he is feeling more confident in practices.

The veteran said he is moving well on both sides and it is the best he has felt since his return to the game. 

“I am improving in different ways. I have less limitations than three, four weeks ago, without a doubt,” Nadal said in Saturday’s press conference. “I am having a good week of practices. I probably will say this is the first week since I came back playing tennis that I am able to run the proper way without having a lot of limitations. That encourages me.

“In the practices, without a doubt I improved. Especially in terms of movements. So I don’t feel the limitations that I felt in Rome in terms of running to both sides, so that’s a lot for me.”

Meanwhile, earlier Nadal had earlier revealed that 2024 would be his final season on the tour but the 22-time Grand Slam champion isn’t yet ready to close the door on his career as he is enjoying his time.

“In some way I don’t want to close the door 100 per cent, because of a very simple thing,” Nadal said. “First thing, I am enjoying playing tennis. Second thing, I am travelling with [my] family. They are enjoying it. I am enjoying sharing all this process with them. And third thing, I was not able to explore yet the proper way of how I will be able to play being in more or less healthy conditions, playing without limitation.”

On the other hand, Zverev has been in red-hot form as he recently won the Italian Open by beating Nicolas Jarry in the final. Nadal admitted he will have his work cut out against the in-form German.

“I was playing some Parchis and at some point somebody told me the draw. Something that I expected in some way, no? When you are not seeded, anything can happen,” Nadal said. “I play against one of the toughest opponents possible, and at the same time, he came here winning the last event and it’s a Masters 1000. It’s not a small one.”

Nadal and Zverev will take on each other on Monday.