Alcaraz and Zverev to Clash in First Round of French Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev, two of the most promising young stars in tennis, will face off in the first round of the 2023 French Open, a match that has drawn both excitement and intrigue.

Alcaraz, the world No. 2, was asked if he would have preferred to face Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion, in the first round. The Spaniard responded with a resounding "No," explaining that he would rather face Nadal later in the tournament.

"When I saw that it was 50 percent chances that I could play against Rafa," Alcaraz said, "it...Thanks."

Zverev, the world No. 3, echoed Alcaraz's sentiments, saying that he would have preferred to face Nadal in a later round.

"So ideally, I would have liked to play him in the later stage of the tournament, but it is how it is now," Zverev said. "He is unseeded this year. I am seeded. You know, it's a tough draw, but it's a tough draw for both of us."

The two players have a history, having played a thrilling semifinal at the 2022 French Open. Nadal won the first set in a tiebreaker, but Zverev was leading 6-6 in the second set when he suffered an ankle injury and was forced to retire.

Zverev said that he is looking forward to facing Nadal again, but he is aware of the challenge that lies ahead.

"I mean, obviously, to be very honest, I wanted to play Rafa again in my career, in his career," said Zverev, "because I didn't want my last memory of me playing against Rafa to be me leaving the court on a wheelchair."

Nadal, who is 37 years old, is not the same player he was a few years ago, but he remains a formidable opponent on clay. He has won the French Open a record 14 times, and he is always a threat to win the tournament.

The match between Alcaraz and Zverev is sure to be a close one, and it could have a major impact on the outcome of the tournament.

Tags: #FrenchOpen, #Alcaraz, #Zverev, #Nadal, #Tennis