Alexander Zverev backed Rafael Nadal to go on and win a 14th French Open title after revealing considerations that the ankle harm which pressured him to withdraw from Friday’s semi-final in opposition to the Spaniard is “very serious”.
Zverev needed to be pushed off the Philippe Chatrier court docket on a wheelchair after twisting his ankle late within the second set as he trailed 7-6(8) 6-6 in his assembly with the 21-time Grand Slam champion.
“Very difficult moment for me today on the court, obviously a fantastic match until what happened,” Zverev mentioned in a video posted on the French Open’s Twitter account.
“Looks like I have a very serious injury, but the medical team and the doctors are still checking on it and we’ll keep you updated, we’ll let you know as soon as we know more.”
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Zverev and Nadal had been on court docket for 3 hours and 13 minutes, with the Spaniard successful the primary set in a tie break, when the 25-year-old’s harm occurred.
Following therapy on court docket, Zverev was wheeled into the locker room earlier than returning on crutches to verify his retirement and obtain an embrace from his opponent.
Nadal, who celebrated his thirty sixth birthday on Friday, now goes on to face Norway’s Casper Ruud in Sunday’s last as he seeks a 14th Roland Garros title and to increase his document variety of Grand Slam crown.
“I want to congratulate Rafa,” mentioned Zverev. “It’s unimaginable to see him in a 14th last and hopefully he can go all the way in which and make some extra historical past.
“But, not an easy moment for me today and I’ll keep everybody updated.”
