Zverev main threat to Nadal, bids to end Germany's 81-year French Open drought

Alexander Zverev has emerged as the main threat to Rafael Nadal's French Open crown in recent weeks as he bids to end Germany's 81-year wait for a men's singles title at Roland Garros.

The 21-year-old suffered his fifth defeat in five meetings with Nadal in Sunday's Italian Open final, but the way he fought back from losing the first set 6-1 only enhanced his already-burgeoning clay-court credentials.

The rising star has never reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament, but he will be the second seed in Paris after winning his second Masters title on clay in Madrid, where he beat Nadal's conqueror Dominic Thiem in the final.

A run of 13 wins in a row was only ended by 10-time French Open winner Nadal on Sunday, and Zverev is looking to continue his momentum.

"I try to play the same way, play the same way over a longer period of time, which will be in Paris," he said.

"Right now, the next few days, I won't even think about tennis. And then I'll go to Paris and do my best to prepare and try to compete for the French Open.

"Of course, Rafa will be the favourite there, there's no question about it. I'll be in the other half of the draw. So, that's a good thing."
"Great backhands help. But right now, I'm 0-5 in the head to head. "I don't know. We'll see next time I play him. But right now, he's in control of me."
- German woes in France's capital -
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"That is very important against him on clay... And then... The rain delay didn't help me, definitely."