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Rafael Nadal's congratulatory message to Alexander Zverev, following the German's Roland Garros victory, sparked a wave of divided reactions across social media. Many fans were quick to recall the domestic violence allegations that have cast a shadow over the tennis star's career.
After Zverev's five-set triumph over Flavio Cobolli in the 2026 tournament final, Nadal took to social media to congratulate both finalists.
«Congratulations, Alex Zverev, on winning Roland Garros! So well deserved after all the hard work and perseverance. You've been chasing your first Grand Slam for a long time, and you absolutely deserve it! And congratulations to Flavio too for a fantastic tournament!»
The Spanish tennis player's post quickly became a point of contention. While some followers celebrated Zverev's achievement, others criticized Nadal's gesture, highlighting the accusations the German faces. The phrase «Anyone but Alexander Zverev» became prominent across various platforms and comments, reflecting the discontent of some fans.
Nadal's support for Zverev is not new. In 2022, when the German suffered a severe ankle injury during the Roland Garros semi-final against Nadal himself, the Spaniard expressed his confidence in his opponent's future. At the time, Nadal stated he was certain Zverev would «win not one, but many more» Grand Slam titles.
Three years later, that prediction came true on the very same court where Zverev had tearfully exited, as he claimed his first major career trophy.
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