Alexander Zverev defeated Rafael Nadal 6–3, 7–6, 6–3 at Roland Garros on clay in the first round, confirming his status as pre-match favourite with odds of 1.31 to Nadal's 3.81. The German top seed controlled proceedings across all three sets, taking the opening frame convincingly before edging a competitive second-set tiebreak. Zverev's composed performance in the third set sealed a straightforward victory that underscores his current form on the Paris clay and positions him well for a deep run in the tournament.