Rafael Nadal’s first-round opponent Marton Fucsovics confident of “surprising” the Spaniard as he plays him for the first time

Fucsovics practiced with left handed players ahead of clash with Nadal.

Rafael Nadal’s first-round opponent Marton Fucsovics confident of “surprising” the Spaniard as he plays him for the first time

Marton Fucsovics on facing Rafael Nadal (images via Imago)

The tennis draws for the Paris Olympics were drafted today and fans couldn’t have asked for a more interesting one. A potential second-round clash between the biggest rivals the sport has seen, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, awaits. However, Marton Fucsovics from Hungary stands in Nadal’s way first, while doubles World No.3, and alternate Matthew Ebden will battle Djokovic in the inaugural round.

Speaking about his exciting match against the great Spaniard, Fucsovics says he practiced with Zsombor Velcz, a left-handed player, to better prepare for it. This will be his first meeting against the King of Clay and they will clash in Rafa’s kingdom of Roland Garros.

YouTube video
Mixed emotions.. not happy because it's a tough opponent, but happy because I've never played Rafa before. It's a special occasion and could be the last chance. With good play, I can surprise him. I trained with Zsombi Velcz as he is lefthanded.
Marton Fucsovics said as per Stroppa_Del/Stroppa777 on social media

Despite Rafael Nadal‘s unbelievable records at the venue and on the surface, Fucsovics believes he can upset the 14-time French Open champion. 

FS Video

The 32-year-old is currently ranked 84 in the world while Nadal’s run to the Bastad finals has brought him up to 161. Nadal’s struggles have been evident in the last few weeks as he had to dig deep to stay in matches against players he would’ve disposed of with relative ease just a few years ago. This may give the Hungarian a boost in confidence which may indeed lead to a surprising result.

RELATED
“I can’t assure you that he will play,” Rafael Nadal’s Paris Olympics participation doubtful after coach Carlos Moya confirms setback
Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya

Australian doubles star Matthew Ebden reacts to the news of him playing Novak Djokovic in the first round

Two-time doubles Grand Slam champion Matt Ebden was given entry into the singles draw as an alternate after several players chose to withdraw from the Olympic Games in the last moment. Ebden reached the pinnacle of the doubles rankings ladder after partnering Rohan Bopanna to an Australian Open title earlier this year. 

Rafael Nadal(L), Matthew Ebden(M), Novak Djokovic(R)
Rafael Nadal (L), Matthew Ebden (inset) and Novak Djokovic (Via Imago/X)

However, he has also been an established singles player, reaching a career-high rank of 39 in the world. In an unexpected turn of events, the Australian found out that he would be representing his country in a third category, after being given a pass to play in the men’s and mixed doubles categories.

He will face the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the first round of men’s singles. A win would give him a chance at facing Djokovic’s biggest rival, Nadal, in the second round if the Spaniard prevails against Fucsovics. Ebden posted a hilarious video on his socials after learning about the potential matchups that await him.

In case you missed it!