‘There’s a Reason Why They’re the Best in the World’ – Alexander Zverev on Never Defeating Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic at Grand Slams

Over the years, Alexander Zverev has put on some stunning displays to be amongst the elite group in men’s tennis. Boasting immense talent, the German tennis star has won several big titles. However, his inconsistent performances in Grand Slam tournaments, especially against players ranked in the top ten, have been a cause of worry for him.

Nonetheless, the 25-year-old produced a magnificent display to knock out in-form Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals of the French Open 2022, his first victory against a top ten seed in a Grand Slam. In a match lasting three hours and 18 minutes, Zverev got the better of the Spaniard in four sets. After the match, Zverev talked about his record against Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at major events.

Alexander Zverev on his semifinal encounter at Roland Garros

The German tennis star had been drawn in the same half as Djokovic and Nadal. He played his quarterfinal match before Djokovic and Nadal’s match and was due to face the victor in the last four. Opening up about his performance against Nadal and Djokovic at Grand Slam tournaments, Zverev said, “Yeah I mean there’s a reason why they’re the best in the world at Grand Slams. One of them has 21 the other one has 20. So they’re there at the top of the game for the past 15 20 years and there’s a big reason for that.”

DIVE DEEPER: ‘He Is Part of the History of Roland-Garros’ – Carlos Moya Questions French Open Organizers for Scheduling the Match Between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic During the Night Session

Further, he added, “At the end, yes I have not beaten them in majors but I feel like I was very close. I feel like I have had very difficult and tough matches against them. But there’s a big difference between having a tough match and beating them is still a major difference. So hopefully I can manage and take this win today and put it on the court on Friday.”

Zverev’s record against Nadal

With Nadal’s victory over Djokovic, Zverev is set to face the Spaniard for a place in the French Open 2022 final. In the nine matches played between them, the German has managed to win on only three occasions.

WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic’s epic finals against Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Andy Murray, Wilfried Tsonga at the Australian Open

Moreover, Nadal won the only match between them at the Grand Slams during the 2017 Australian Open, albeit in a five-set thriller. It’ll be interesting to see if Zverev can upset Nadal at Roland Garros.