Daniil Medvedev expressed relief at not being drawn to face 14-time champion Rafael Nadal in the first round of the French Open. The Russian player conveyed his contentment, considering Nadal's impending emotional farewell to the tournament.
Nadal, who boasts an astounding record of just three losses in 115 matches at Roland Garros since his debut title in 2005, is bidding adieu to the French Open after an illustrious career.
In a blockbuster first match, unseeded Nadal will face fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev and world number five Medvedev could not be more delighted.
"I'm not shy to say I'm happy it's not me playing against him first round," admitted Medvedev on Friday, a day after practising with Nadal.
Former world number one and 22-time Grand Slam title winner Rafael Nadal, whose ranking has declined to 276 due to his limited participation in just four tournaments since January last year, will celebrate his 38th birthday on June 3rd.
However, Medvedev warned Zverev that Nadal is far from a fading force.
"There's a lot of hard work, a lot of mental effort. Sometimes people forget he has a lot of talent in his hands also," said the Russian.
"We were warming up serves and then he did three in a row, volley, dropshots, banana ones, with backspin, and it was funny.
"We were saying, 'Yeah, no talent, just hard work!'"
Nadal maintains a commanding 7-3 winning head-to-head record against Zverev, with five of those victories secured on clay courts.
The last encounter between Nadal and Zverev took place in the semi-finals of the 2022 tournament in Paris, where the German was compelled to retire due to a severe ankle injury.
"It's tough to play Rafa," added Medvedev.
"He has the capability to spin the ball not like other players, get these high balls especially on clay, is not easy.
"Then we go to where he fights for every point, he brings intensity to every point. You know you're going to be tired, you know it's going to be tough. It's not easy."
(With AFP inputs)
