Alexander Zverev injury during the French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal appears ‘very serious.’
Nadal was 7-6 (10/8), 6-6 ahead when Zverev rolled his right ankle and fell down on the court writhing in pain.
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The German could not continue and had to be taken off court in a wheelchair.
A message from Sascha 🧡@AlexZverev I #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/0yOhPq3EB7
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2022
He returned on crutches to officially retire from the match and acknowledge the crowd.
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“It was a very difficult moment on the court. It looks like a very serious injury but the medical team are still checking it and I will keep you updated,” the 25-year-old said in a video message.
“But congratulations to Rafa, it’s an amazing achievement to be in the final for the 14th time. I hope he goes all the way and makes more history.”
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Until the dramatic end of the match, the World No 3 had been pushing Nadal all the way.
In a rollercoaster, 91-minute first set, Zverev broke in the opening game before Nadal levelled at 4-4.
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Nadal, celebrating his 36th birthday Friday, then saved four set points in a knife-edge tiebreak, one of them off a spectacular running crosscourt forehand.
Zverev, playing in the semi-finals at Roland Garros for the second successive year, finished with 25 winners and 26 unforced errors.
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