Alexander Zverev has breezed past Rafael Nadal. The King of Clay was beaten in 3 straight sets as Zverev got past the first round. The 27-year-old German bamboozled Rafa with his powerful serves and aggressive forehands. He was also extremely calm under pressure when Nadal tried to stage a mid-match comeback. The World Number 4 has been extraordinary this year. He’s already been to the semi-finals of the Australian Open and he’s won the Rome Open. The German has long been touted to win a Grand Slam. Could this finally be the year where he fulfills his destiny?
Zealous Zverev Edges Past Rafa
Zverev’s showdown with Nadal was primed to be a classic. Iga Swiatek, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic were present in the stands to witness two juggernauts going at each other. As soon as their match was announced, people immediately began reminiscing about that semi-final two years ago. Zverev was competing extremely well against Nadal till an ankle injury forced him to forfeit the game. It was a dagger in the heart of the young German who looked set to win the game. This time, Zverev didn’t take any chance. He hit 15 winners compared to Nadal’s 5 in the opening set. The German thus set a strong base for the game. He has become only the 3rd player to beat Nadal in the French Open.
Coronation Or Catastrophe?
Although Zverev is brilliant on all 3 surfaces, clay is well and truly his specialty. He’s done extremely well in the French Open and he will look forward to continuing his rich vein of form. The 27-year-old used to be hailed as the crown prince of tennis. He’s not exactly proven those shouts right but his career still isn’t finished. With Nadal knocked out and Djokovic not at his best, Zverev has a real chance to win his first grand slam. Will the crown prince of tennis finally claim his throne or will he be dethroned by the Spaniard who’s been touted as the heir to Nadal’s throne?
