The French Open semifinal between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev was turning into a classic. After three hours, the two tennis stars were only at the second set tiebreaker. Nadal had won the first set 7-6 and were tied 6-6 entering the tiebreaker.
However, everything turned upside down as Zverev rolled his ankle on a return and immediately screamed in pain. Zverev was sent away in a wheelchair to receive treatment. It was an unfortunate and heartbreaking sight to see.
After some time, Zverev walked out on the court with crutches and his foot wrapped, clearly indicating he had to retire from the match. Zverev received a standing ovation by the fans as he shook the umpire’s hand, hugged Nadal, and saluted the fans as he left the court.
👏#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/92f8AhegIQ
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2022
While Zverev’s injury prematurely ended a surefire classic French Open semifinal, that wasn’t what people were thinking about. The concern was on Zverev and his condition as people praised his play and wished him the best going forward.
Get well soon, Alexander 🧡#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Is3k7dHiUo
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2022
Wishing you a speedy recovery! 🙌 @AlexZverev @rolandgarros | #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/PNavdLmC1C
— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 3, 2022
All our love, Sascha ❤️🩹@RafaelNadal advances to his 14th #RolandGarros final after @AlexZverev was forced to retire due to injury. pic.twitter.com/yYUYRpIbEs
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) June 3, 2022
Heartbreaking scene in Paris.
Get well soon, @AlexZverev 💙 pic.twitter.com/0uRd6PxPMm
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 3, 2022
What a sad situation for @AlexZverev in the semis. Never want to see a match end like this. Especially one this well played and hard fought.
— James Blake (@JRBlake) June 3, 2022
"I have been there in the small room with Sascha before we came back on court and to see him crying there is a very tough moment so just all the best to him and all the team"
Nadal after Zverev's retirement with ankle injury
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) June 3, 2022
Sport can be so cruel 💔
You played like a champion today @AlexZverev 👏#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/qgSIktnMjI
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 3, 2022
Zverev comes back out on crutches to shake the umpire's hand, hug Nadal and salute the crowd.
Everybody a bit shaken by this turn of events.
Nadal is through to the final. pic.twitter.com/pUNNPmHhnF
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) June 3, 2022
Zverev was playing so good. It's terrible.
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) June 3, 2022
.@RafaelNadal into the final of the #FrenchOpen2022 .. not in the manner he or his fans would have wanted .. an incredible game of tennis cut short by a nasty injury.
Well played and get well soon @AlexZverev ❤️— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) June 3, 2022
Nadal will advance to his 14th French Open final and will face the winner of Casper Ruud and Marin Čilić. Nadal has never lost a French Open final.
[Photo: @usopen]
About Phillip Bupp
Producer/editor of the Awful Announcing Podcast and Short and to the Point. News editor for The Comeback and Awful Announcing. Highlight consultant for Major League Soccer as well as a freelance writer for hire. Opinions are my own but feel free to agree with them.
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