Mischa Zverev says “Rafael Nadal sadly retiring at the French Open”

• Novak Djokovic will be favourite for any Grand Slam outside of Paris.
• Australian Open begins on January 16 with Nadal playing Britain’s Jack Draper.
• Djokovic will overtake Nadal in the battle for major trophies.

For the forthcoming season, beginning with the Australian Open, which will begin on January 16, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have been the subject of daring predictions from Alexander Zverev and his older brother Mischa.

Alexander predicts that Nadal will retire after winning the French Open for a record-extending 15th time in June.

With victories at the Australian Open and Roland Garros in 2022, Nadal had a rollercoaster year and amassed 22 Grand Slam trophies to become the most successful male major winner.

Alexander had a chance to slow the trend, but he was forced to quit from his French Open semifinal match against the Spaniard after rupturing three ankle ligaments midway through the contest.

Who can defeat Nadal on his favourite surface?, Mischa responded  “My brother will carry it out. Because he didn’t take advantage of his chance in 2022, why not? In 2023, give it another try.”

The oldest active athlete in the Zverev family encouraged his brother to win his first major in Paris, but “Sascha” took a different path when he made his most audacious forecast of the year.

“Rafael Nadal sadly retiring at the French Open. Which I don’t want for him. And I think he’ll have a great tournament—he might even win it, and then he’ll say: ‘Thank you very much.’,” he said.

Djokovic will overtake Nadal in the battle for major trophies, according to Mischa. The Serb “will be the favourite” for any Grand Slam outside of Paris, Alexander said in a more conciliatory response.

The 2020 U.S. Open semifinalist, though, is starting a comeback season following injury troubles last year and hopes to leave his own mark on important stages.

“There are some other guys [who] hopefully have something to say against them [Nadal and Djokovic],” said Zverev Jr.

On Monday, Nadal will face Jack Draper of Great Britain in the opening round of the year’s first Grand Slam, while Djokovic will face R. Carballés Baena of Spain on Tuesday.

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