French Open 2019 – Yannick Hanfmann vs Rafael Nadal Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Yannick Hanfmann vs Rafael Nadal taking place? Court Philippe Chatrier, Roland-Garros, Paris
When is Yannick Hanfmann vs Rafael Nadal on and what time does it start? Monday 27th May, 2019 - (not before) 11:15 (UK)
What channel is Yannick Hanfmann vs Rafael Nadal on in the UK? ITV4 & Eurosport are sharing broadcasting rights for the French Open so it is worth checking their schedules
Where can I stream Yannick Hanfmann vs Rafael Nadal? Televised matches can be streamed via the ITV Hub & Eurosport Player
Where can I get tickets for Yannick Hanfmann vs Rafael Nadal? https://tickets.rolandgarros.com/en/home
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: N/A
Last meeting: N/A
THE PLAYERS
YANNICK HANFMANN
- 27-year-old Hanfmann blitzed through qualifying without dropping a set to reach the main draw at Roland-Garros for the first time in his career.
- This will be the world number 180’s second appearance in the first round of a major after he reached the first round of the US Open last year so this is another important career milestone for the him.
- The German is known for having a powerful serve but the benefits of this are somewhat nullified by the clay so his biggest weapon is unlikely to give him many free points.
RAFAEL NADAL
- Nadal enters his Philippe Chatrier palace with renewed confidence after picking up the Rome Masters title last week, most notably defeating world number one Novak Djokovic in the final.
- The Spaniard began the clay court season in shaky form by his own stratospheric standards, losing in the semi-finals at Monte-Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid, but his triumph in Rome will give him belief that a 12th French Open title is within his grasp.
- Given that Rafa has only ever lost two matches at the French Open, it seems unfathomable that he will be undone by a journeyman such as Hanfmann but the pair have never faced each on tour before so that always brings its own intrigue.
THE PREDICTION
Hanfmann should relish this opportunity as facing Rafael Nadal on Philippe Chatrier is one of the toughest assignments in sport, let alone tennis. Ultimately though, Nadal’s experience and prowess on the surface should overwhelm the German, who is largely inexperienced at this level. The French Open favourite will undoubtedly want to put a marker down for the rest of the field and is likely to dominate the match from start to finish.
