Alexander Zverev (ATP 5) was forced to retire in the semi-final once morest Rafael Nadal (ATP 3). The German twisted his right ankle on a poorly negotiated slip in the 12th game of the 2nd set.
The Tokyo Olympic champion screamed in pain as he fell, and got up with difficulty before being evacuated in a wheelchair. He returned to Court Philippe-Chatrier a few minutes later, helped by crutches, to confirm an abandonment that was beyond doubt.
Rafael Nadal, who had won the 1st set 7-6 (10/8), had equalized at 6-6 in the 2nd set on the point which saw Alexander Zverev get injured. “It’s very hard, very sad for him. It was really hard to see him cry. He was playing an amazing tournament“, explained on the court Rafa.
On the way to a 22nd Major
“I know how hard he fights to win a first Grand Slam, I’m sure he will eventually achieve it“, continued the Mallorcan left-hander, who will play Sunday once morest Casper Ruud (ATP 8) or Marin Cilic (ATP 20) his 14th final on clay at Roland-Garros, where he is aiming for a 14th coronation.
Most “it’s a dream to play a new final here“, underlined Rafael Nadal, qualified for the 30th time in the Grand Slam final. With a 22nd major title in sight, which would allow him to take 2 lengths ahead of his eternal rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
ats/bur
