Rafa at FO this year

Is there anyone who didn't look at that draw and say 'oh come on'. Records are made to be broken (e.g. Sampras retiring early thinking 'nobody will catch me' then watching Federer pass him like the roadrunner) but I know that nobody is passing Nadal as the greatest claycourter in my lifetime.

A straight sets exit in R1 in his farewell year would be humiliating. I don't see this. Nadal to win a set is how I'm playing it.

Zverev to win 3-1 at 3.6 is also interesting. He won't fancy a fifth.

I'm thinking you're right that Rafa can win a set here, at least. He won't yet be fatigued, so can give it as much as he's got, since his comeback from the injury.

I'm even interested in a possible 'upset' result - which is a mad thing to say about Rafa winning a R1 match at the French isn't it!

Yeah it's a ridiculous situation. It's just not the way the story should be closing for him here.

I don't think Rafa is that bothered about Wimbledon. He knows that is going to be the Novak/Carlos/Sinner/Danil show. He definitely is wanting to play the Olympic doubles with carlos though. I'm not sure why he's suddenly become a bit sentimental at the end of his career
He wants that though, he keeps talking about it. So he can't leave it all out there against Zverev, there's going to be a bit of caution.

I'm not sure who was less happy with this draw, Nadal or Zverev - the latter must be thinking 'really?' I get Rafa in the first round.

Match coming up today, looking forward to this one...not sure how this will pan out for sure. I'm still giving Rafa a chance here.

This Zverev press conference well worth a watch. His thoughts on the Nadal match.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vuE1Jj4iug

Interesting, thanks!

So a short return, maybe the last time. Fair play to Zverev he was too good.

Rafa not at his normal level for sure though. Retirement will probably beckon, another of the 'greats' after Fed's retirement, just leaves Djoko to carry that on for now.