Roland Garros 2018: Rafael Nadal is the favorite, but these 5 players can challenge him

4. Alexander Zverev

Probably the most talented youngster in tennis, Zverev has a game that is not particularly suited for clay. However, this tall, big-serving lad from Germany has it in him to cause a few upsets and advance to the latter stages of the tournament.

Zverev can hit some glorious groundstrokes from the baseline, but he does need to improve his athleticism a touch. Despite that, Zverev's record on clay is pretty impressive. Even on a slower surface, his lethal serve and groundstrokes could prove to be dangerous for any opponent.

He would, however, have to work on improving his court coverage. Moreover, he is yet to win a match against Nadal.

Career head to head against Nadal: 0-4

2018 win-loss record: 14-6

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Musab Abid