2021 French Open First Round – Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin on and what time does it start? Tuesday 1st June, 2021 – not before 15:00 (UK)
Where is Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin taking place? Stade Roland Garros, Paris
What surface is Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin on? Both ITV and Eurosport will be showing live coverage of the French Open so it is worth checking their schedules
Where can I stream Rafael Nadal vs Alexei Popyrin? ITV Hub, Eurosport Player & Amazon Prime Video (in France only)
THE PREDICTION
World number three Rafael Nadal begins yet another defence of his Roland-Garros title as he aims to extend an already impossible record of 13 titles here in Paris to 14. If the 34, soon to be 35-year-old, can do that next Sunday he will overtake Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slam titles to set a new Men’s record of 21. With all that at stake, the Spaniard could be forgiven for being a little less prolific this campaign than his usual blitz but he comes in on a five-match winning streak after winning the Italian Open two weeks ago and he looked close to his best in that three-set final against Novak Djokovic. At the Madrid Open the week prior, Nadal met Alexei Popyrin for the first time and the Aussie got off to a fast start before ultimately losing in straight sets. 21-year-old Popyrin has a big future and won his first ATP title this season at the Singapore Open on a hard court and that surface, for now, is where his best tennis is played. Nadal more than often bulldozes through the first week of a Grand Slam without conceding a set, so take him to win this in three.
