Monte Carlo Masters 2018: Alexander Zverev makes surprise Rafael Nadal claim
ALEXANDER ZVEREV has admitted he’s glad to be in the other half of the draw to Rafael Nadal at the Monte Carlo Masters.
GETTY
The world No 4, who has two Masters 1000 titles to his name, has been handed a bye for the first round.
After being defeated by Nadal in the Davis Cup for Germany, Zverev labelled the 31-year-old as the best player ever on clay.
Nadal goes into the clay court swing looking to defend his slim 100-point lead at the top of the world rankings and comes into the Monte Carlo Masters as 10-time champion.
However, after a hip injury saw him skip Indian Wells and Miami, he needs to build up steam ahead of the French Open next month.
Yes it is a bonus, but I still have great players in my half of the draw
Zverev on the other hand hasn’t been afraid to mix it with the best and he has secretly claimed he is pleased to avoid Nadal for now, although he hopes to meet him in the final.
When asked for his thoughts on the draw and not facing the Spaniard he said: “Yes it is a bonus, but I still have great players in my half of the draw.
“It doesn’t mean we will play in the final against each other.
GETTY
“We have both got to get there first and both win matches.
“Hopefully he can do that and hopefully I can do that and see how the week goes.”
Zverev will face the winner of Florian Mayer and Gilles Muller in the second round.