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In a video on Eurosport, Alexander Zverev played the game of predictions for the Australian Open but also for the whole season. Invited to predict a surprising event during this season, the German chose to bet on a retirement of Rafael Nadal after Roland Garros. “I don’t think about my retirement” replied the Spaniard on Saturday.
Alexander Zverev created a little buzz Saturday in Melbourne. Eurosport asked some questions to several stars of the circuit before the Australian Open. Among them, “Who will win the first Grand Slam of the year?”, “Who will be world number one at the end of the season?”, but also this one: “What is your surprising prediction for 2023?” Alexander Zverev, after a short thought, predicted that Rafael Nadal would retire in June right after winning a 15th French Open.
It’s neither a wish nor a piece of information from the German player, but in this little game, it’s about getting a little wet, so the reigning Olympic champion went for it. Unfortunately, I think Rafa will retire at Roland Garros.” he told Eurosport with a smile, causing astonishment around him. What I do not wish. I think he’s going to have a great tournament, he might even win it again and then say ‘Thank you very much’. I think that would be the perfect conclusion.”
I HAVE A GREAT RELATIONSHIP WITH ZVEREV, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO TELL HIM THESE THINGS
On Saturday, during his pre-tournament press conference, Sascha Zverev’s “prediction” was heard by Rafael Nadal. “I have a very good relationship with Zverev, but not enough to confess something like that to him.” the Spanish champion joked in response. Last year, when his bruised foot made things difficult for him during the Paris fortnight, rumours surfaced that the king of clay could hang up his boots if he won his 14th title at Porte d’Auteuil. Nothing of the sort happened.
On the substance, Nadal recalled that he himself did not have the answer to this question to date. “I have no idea what will happen in six months,” he assured again on Saturday. The reality is that I’m here to play tennis, to try to have a great 2023 season, to fight against all the difficulties I’ve had throughout my career. I’m not thinking about retirement. But you seem to be thinking about it all the time, because week after week you talk to me about it at every press conference. But I will give you the same answer every time.” Still, let’s meet in June to see if Sacha Zverev’s risk-taking will pay off. Or not.
