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Rafael Nadal returns to the French Open and faces Alexander Zverev in a blockbuster first-round match at Roland Garros.
The 14-time French Open champion was expected to play at the tournament for the final time but revealed this year’s Roland Garros may not be his last, although there is a “big, big chance” the 37-year-old will be bidding farewell to Paris this fortnight.
Nadal said he could not “close the door 100 per cent”, though, so any planned ceremonies to celebrate the Spaniard have been postponed ahead of his popcorn encounter against the German fourth seed Zverev.
The French Open draw threw up a rematch of the 2022 semi-final, where Zverev broke his ankle after splitting the first two sets. “Of course on the paper it’s not the best draw,” 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. So just, yeah, what can I do? That’s the draw. Just try to be ready for it.” Here’s everything you need to know.
What time is Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev?
The match is scheduled third on Court Philippe-Chatrier, following two matches in the women’s singles.
Ons Jabeur opened with a straight-sets win, with Iga Swiatek taking to court just before 1pm BST. The defending champion is the heavy favourite against the French qualifier Leolia Jeanjean and will be expected to wrap up a quick victory.
True to form, Swiatek raced to a 6-1 opening set in 28 minutes.
Nadal could therefore expect to be on court at around 2:00pm.
How can I watch Nadal vs Zverev?
You can watch the French Open live on Discovery+ and Eurosport in the UK. The action will be broadcast on Eurosport’s TV channels, or fans can tune into Discovery+ to stream the tournament, where an Entertainment & Sport pass is available for either £6.99/month or £59.99/year.
Watch every moment of Roland-Garros LIVE and exclusive on discovery+, Eurosport and Eurosport App
French Open order of play, Monday 27 May
All times UK (BST)
Court Philippe-Chatier
From 11am
Sachia Vickery vs Ons Jabeur
Iga Swiatek vs Leolia Jeanjean
Alexander Zverev vs Rafael Nadal
Not before 7:15pm
Gael Monfils vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Court Suzanne-Lenglen
From 11am
Chris Eubanks vs Jannick Sinner
Marton Fucsovics vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Coco Gauff vs Julia Avdeeva
Elina Svitolina vs Karolina Pliskova
Court Simonne-Mathieu
From 10am
Rebeka Masarova vs Marketa Vondrousova
Matteo Arnaldi vs Arthur Fils
Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva
Dominik Koepfer vs Daniil Medvedev
