HomeSportsTennisRafael Nadal 'trash talking' from Alexander Zverev upset Roger Federer's coach

Rafael Nadal ‘trash talking’ from Alexander Zverev upset Roger Federer’s coach

Alexander Zverev was once accused of besmirching Rafael Nadal’s name with “trash talk” following their last clash on court. And fans will be hoping for more drama as the pair collide in the first round of this year’s French Open.

It was during the 2022 semi-finals at Roland Garros that Zverev, 27, suffered a horrific ankle injury three hours into his match against Nadal. The German ended up missing the rest of the calendar year, while Nadal – 10 years his senior – clinched his 14th French Open crown and a then-men’s record 22nd Grand Slam title.

However, Zverev ruffled a few feathers when he told Eurosport he felt that “could have been the week” where he won his maiden major, despite adding he didn’t want to sound arrogant. Cue a response from Ivan Ljubicic, former world No.3 and Roger Federer‘s coach of six years, who took umbrage with Zverev’s confidence regarding his chances in Paris.

“Nobody wants to sound arrogant but everyone is claiming to have almost won Roland Garros last year,” wrote Ljubicic on social in 2023, along with a crying-with-laughter emoji. “Love it!! On with trash talk!!”

Roland Garros has gradually emerged as Zverev’s most favoured of the four majors, having now made it to the semi-finals in three consecutive editions. He also advanced to the last four of this year’s Australian Open in January, dismissing much of the concern regarding any lasting effects following his 2022 injury.

Ljubicic’s critique was perhaps warranted considering Nadal led 7-6(8), 6-6 at the time their match was called to a halt. Zverev – who has won three of his 10 meetings with Nadal – deserves praise for his rebound following such a devastating injury, though a first major and world No.1 status continues to elude him.

Nadal, on the other hand, has witnessed a sharp decline over the past year and managed to feature in just one Grand Slam during 2023. His second-round exit in Melbourne was followed by months of injury setbacks, raising suspicions that the Spaniard isn’t long for retirement.

The tennis world was stunned when this year’s draw revealed he and Zverev would reunite at the first hurdle of the 2024 French Open. A difficult draw was always on the cards for Nadal – who returned to his stomping ground with a protected ranking – but even Zverev was shocked by the news.

“I actually thought [my brother] was joking in the beginning,” Zverev told reporters when recounting how he learnt of the news. “But then, yeah, it is what it is. I mean, obviously, to be very honest, I wanted to play Rafa again in my career, in his career, because I didn’t want my last memory of me playing against Rafa to be me leaving the court in a wheelchair.

“Ideally, I would have liked to play him in the latter stage of the tournament. It’s a tough draw, but it’s a tough draw for both of us. We’ll see how it goes on Monday.”

Zverev will be the firm favourite to edge their battle this time around, though Nadal will hope to avoid exiting the French Open’s first round for the first time in his career. There are sparks certain to come in Paris over the coming weeks, though the best match of the opening salvo looks like it’s been determined already.

Content Source: www.express.co.uk

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