Rafael Nadal will retire at the 2023 French Open says Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev believes with increasing injuries, Rafael Nadal will retire this season at his favorite hunting ground, the French Open.

Rafael Nadal will retire at the 2023 French Open says Alexander Zverev

Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev

Rafael Nadal‘s retirement has been a topic for many years now. His chronic foot injury has sidelined him on numerous occasions. Other fitness issues have also flared up as a result of this. He missed the entire second half of the 2021 season and a couple of months in the 2022 season as well.

The 36-year-old is currently in his 22nd season as a Pro and continues to be defending champion at Grand Slam events. At the upcoming 2023 Australian Open, he is the top seed and the defending champion looking for his 23rd Major title and third Australian Open title.

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Apart from the Australian Open, Nadal will also be the defending champion at the 2023 French Open. But for former World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, this year’s Roland Garros could be the last time we see the Spaniard.

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“Rafael Nadal will announce his retirement at Roland Garros. I don’t wish him this, but I think he will play a big tournament, maybe wins it, and then says goodbye,” said Sascha speaking with Eurosport.

Related: Justine Henin believes Rafael Nadal can surprise everyone at the 2023 Australian Open as he did last year

Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev unlikely to play at the upcoming Australian Open

Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal
Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal

Neither Alexander Zverev nor Rafael Nadal is in great form coming into the 2023 Australian Open. Both players started their season at the 2023 United Cup and lost both of their matches. Germany and Spain also crashed out in the group stages of the inaugural edition of the United Cup.

Zverev had injured himself in the 2022 French Open semi-finals playing against Nadal. The match had been played for exactly 3 hours when the German injured himself and was out for the season. As he returns after a forced break, he is yet to pick crucial wins. He did however win the exhibition event ‘World Tennis League’ in Dubai.

With Nadal and Sascha placed in different halves of the draw, they can only meet in the finals. While Nadal is a different gravy in Best-of-Five matches, Zverev’s injury can hold him. Looking at their current form, a meeting between the duo looks nearly impossible although Melbourne Park has seen some great miracles over the years.

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