Rafael Nadal v Alexander Zverev | French Open 2024 preview, betting tips and H2H

Rafael Nadal begins his final French Open campaign against the in-form Alexander Zverev in round one at Roland Garros.

The 14-time winner is set to call time on his glittering career in the coming months, and will be eager to ensure his swansong in Paris is one to remember.

It begins with a tie neither player will have particularly wanted when the draw was made, as it hands Zverev an incredibly tricky opener.

Of course, memories come flooding back of their notorious semi-final encounter on Court Philippe Chatrier two years ago, when hopes of an all-time classic were ended when the German suffered a horrifying ankle injury at the end of the second set.

Following a torrid year battling injuries, Nadal has managed to enjoy decent preparations for the French Open by appearing in three events on clay, notably defeating 11th seed Alex de Minaur in Madrid last month.

Speaking of preparation, Zverev certainly could not have asked for better as he looks to make the extra couple of steps at Roland Garros, where he has been a semi-finalist in each of the last three years.

The German is fresh from claiming his first ATP Masters title in three years at the Italian Open, and is one of the favourites to go all the way at the season’s second major.

Rafael Nadal v Alexander Zverev prediction

As opening ties at a major go, this is an absolute blockbuster.

The form book would certainly make Zverev the favourite to prevail, though he could hardly have asked for a more difficult opener.

Playing the player nicknamed ‘the King of Clay’ at his favourite event, the German will definitely feel the pressure to deliver at the very least.

And with Nadal desperate to go out at Roland Garros with a bang, the Spaniard will be pumped and determined to enjoy one more memorable victory.

But for Zverev’s injury, their 2022 semi-final could well have gone right to the wire. If both players stay injury-free, that may be the case this time around instead.

Rafael Nadal v Alexander Zverev betting tip

Total sets: Five sets @ 5/2 with Bet365

Rafael Nadal v Alexander Zverev match odds

18+ | Please Gamble Responsibly | All odds correct at time of publication

How to watch Nadal v Zverev live online

All matches from the 2024 French Open are available to watch live via the Bet365 live streaming service.

To access live streaming of tennis, simply:

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2. Register an account, make a first deposit and bet £10 to receive £30 in Bet Credits*
3. Once registered, go to the sports homepage and select ‘Tennis’ from the left-hand menu
4. Select the play icon next to the match in progress and the stream window will appear

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Rafael Nadal v Alexander Zverev head-to-head

This will be the 11th meeting between the players on the ATP Tour, with Nadal leading the head-to-head 7-3.

That includes five of their six previous encounters on clay.