“He is the king of Paris and the fans will be behind him,” Boris Becker admits Rafael Nadal will be backed by the French crowd to beat Alexander Zverev

Boris Becker reveals that Rafael Nadal has always been a different player at the Roland Garros.

“He is the king of Paris and the fans will be behind him,” Boris Becker admits Rafael Nadal will be backed by the French crowd to beat Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev, Rafael Nadal and Boris Becker (Images via Imago/X)

Previously, each time an opponent is drawn to face Rafael Nadal, the Spanish legend is always the favorite to win the match. But, Nadal’s slow start to the season and age has placed him low. However, German legend Boris Becker believes he could still win his tough opening match with the backing of French fans.

Nadal has been drawn to face Alexander Zverev in the first round of the Roland Garros. Zverev has been placed as favorite despite Nadal leading 7-3 in their head-to-head and also being a 14-time French Open champion. But, Nadal’s disappointing exit at the Italian Open has been the major reason for Zverev to be the favorite.

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The Spanish star’s best run on clay this season was at the Madrid where he reached the round of 16. Despite winning 63 singles career titles on clay, he has lost to top ATP players due to age and injury troubles. The 37-year-old was reluctant to play at the Roland Garros but later changed his mind.

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Three-time Wimbledon champion, Boris Becker believes Nadal can upset Zverev with the backing of the French crowd.

Rafa is the king of Paris and the fans will be behind him, but that doesn’t mean they’re against Sascha. He also has sympathy on his side. But of course, if you play against Nadal on Philippe-Chatrier, you can assume that the majority will be on his side. Sascha can’t change that, but can only respond with a good performance – and ultimately with victory. It will be a highly emotional, explosive match that the entire tennis world will be watching live.

Boris Becker said via Eurosport

Meanwhile, Zverev is in the best form of his season and won the Italian Open a few days ago. The German is a three-time French Open semifinalist and is hoping to win the first Grand Slam of his career.

Boris Becker believes Rafael Nadal is a different player when he steps on the Roland Garros court

Rafael Nadal‘s record at the French Open will remain untouchable even after he retires. It may take decades for a player to beat his 112 wins in 115 Roland Garros matches. He is also the record champion lifting the French Open trophy 14 times.

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Boris Becker, Rafael Nadal (Images via Imago)

That has led Boris Becker to issue a strong warning to opponents ahead of his opening match at the French Open.

Something happens to Rafael Nadal when he walks through the gates at Roland Garros, he becomes stronger. The guy comes on and he says, here is the 14-time champion Rafael Nadal and instantly, you become smaller and Rafa becomes bigger.
Boris Becker added

However, Nadal was among the early arrivals at the Roland Garros. He has also intensified his training sessions, practicing with the likes of Daniil Medvedev and Sebastian Korda.

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