Rafael Nadal Returns: Clash with Zverev in French Open First Round

Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion, will face Alexander Zverev in a tough first-round match. Despite injuries and a recent hip surgery, Nadal decided to compete after practicing on Roland Garros' clay courts. This rematch revives memories of their 2022 semifinal encounter.

Rafael Nadal is in the French Open field, after all, and the 14-time champion was set up for a challenging first-round matchup against Alexander Zverev from Thursday's draw.

Nadal had been coy about whether he would compete Roland Garros after two seasons of off-and-on action because of injuries, including a surgically repaired hip that forced him to miss his favorite tournament a year ago.

After a loss at the Italian Open this month, Nadal said he needed to think about whether to play in Paris. But he has been practicing on the red clay at Roland Garros this week and his name was officially in the bracket.

Unseeded.

His matchup against the No. 4-ranked Zverev is a rematch of their 2022 semifinal that ended when Zverev tore ligaments in his right ankle.

The French Open begins on Sunday.