WATCH: Ground staff surprise Rafael Nadal with birthday greetings ahead of his French Open semifinal
Rafael Nadal face Alexander Zverev in the French Open semifinals on Friday, the day he turns 36. Ahead of the match, ground staff at Roland Garros surprised the Spaniard with a birthday message inscribed on the clay.
"Happy Birthday Rafa," was the message written on the clay surface ahead of Nadal’s training session.
Nadal generally celebrates his birthday during Roland Garros, and everyone involved, from the ball boys and caretakers to the doctors and tournament directors, has always made this day special for the King of Clay.
"I need to play my 100 per cent, he is one of the best players in the world" - Rafael Nadal on his semifinal clash with Alexander Zverev
Rafael Nadal has won it all in his illustrious career - 21 Grand Slam titles, 91 ATP singles titles, five Davis Cups and Olympic gold medals in both singles and doubles being the pick of the crop.
The Spaniard is chasing a record-breaking 22nd Grand Slam title, which would take his tally to two more than his peers Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Zverev, his next opponent, has been in fine form over the past two weeks and will present a stern test for the Spaniard.
While Nadal was happy with the manner of his quarterfinal victory over Novak Djokovic, he is fully focused on facing the German in the semis.
“I am excited to be in the semifinals. I have a good victory and a good level of energy in the quarterfinals, but now another big challenge is coming,” Nadal said.
The Spaniard said that he will need to play his best tennis once again if he wants to progress to the final.
“Zverev is playing great, he had a great clay-court season and he’s playing well. He won against [Carlos] Alcaraz because he did a lot of things well, so I need to play my 100 percent again” Nadal said.
Nadal added that the only way he can overcome the German is if he plays aggressively and goes for his shots.
“He’s a great player, one of the best in the world without a doubt. The only way to get through is to play aggressively and with the right determination from beginning to end. And just be focussed all the time,” said Nadal.
🗣️ "Another big challenge is coming tomorrow"
@RafaelNadal looks ahead to his semi-final:
#RolandGarros
The pair have played each other nine times, of which five were on clay. Though Nadal leads 6-3 in the head-to-head, Zverev has picked up three wins in their last four meetings.
🗣️ @ChrissieEvert: "I think we're going to see their best tennis" 😍
Nadal vs. A. Zverev will be some 𝗯𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲! 🍿
#RolandGarros | @Babsschett https://t.co/umCTcZdyJG
Their most recent encounter, at the 2021 Rome Masters, saw Nadal triumph 6-3, 6-4.
While Nadal will be looking to win his 22nd Grand Slam in Paris, Zverev will be eager to pick up his maiden Grand Slam trophy.