Rafael Nadal is on the verge of creating more history after his sensational win over archrival Novak Djokovic in the French Open quarter-finals. Despite recovering from foot surgery this year, the Spaniard struggled in Madrid and Rome before arriving in Paris.

Nadal has somehow produced some of his best tennis despite the discomfort in the opening rounds. He now faces Alexander Zverev in the last 4, with a question on his fitness.

Coach Marc Lopez explains Nadal’s condition

Nadal’s coaching staff are well aware of his condition, with Marc Lopez optimistic of Nadal’s ability to play with pain. In an interview with Spanish Radio, COPE, Lopez says, “I’m positive and I trust that Rafa’s foot will last until Sunday. After the wear and tear against Djokovic, he got up with pain.” 

“Would fit with reports he only hit for 30 of scheduled 90 mins yesterday,” he added. The 13-time Roland Garros champion was diagnosed with a problem called the Mueller-Weiss Syndrome in 2005, causing chronic foot pain.

However, Nadal returned to the Tour this year with a sensational win at the Australian Open, winning a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title. The next matchup will be one of the biggest as he faces a Zverev, chasing the World No.1 ranking for the first time.

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Rafael Nadal vs Alexander Zverev

The pair have met nine times in the past, with their last meeting coming at last year’s Rome Masters. Nadal won on that occasion, but Zverev has beaten the former World No. 1 on clay in Madrid. The German also beat rising sensation Carlos Alcaraz in a tough 4-set battle in the quarter-finals in Paris.

Nadal boasts an incredible 110-3 record at Roland Garros and has produced his best tennis in France over the years. Moreover, considering the Spaniard’s dominant win against top seed Djokovic, Zverev will have his work cut-out in the semifinal. The pressure is certainly on the German as he is yet to win a Grand Slam, reaching one final at the US Open in 2020.

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Will Zverev reach his maiden Roland Garros final or will Nadal make his way to an unprecedented 14th title in Paris?