Alexander Zverev sends message after his French Open heartbreak: "It looks like I have a very serious injury, but the medical team, the doctors, are still checking on it and we will keep you updated. We will let you know as soon as we know more"; he has now confirmed he has torn ligaments
Sunday 5 June 2022 17:31, UK
Alexander Zverev suffered torn ligaments after rolling on his ankle which forced him to withdraw from Friday's French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal.
Zverev had to be pushed off the Philippe Chatrier Court on a wheelchair after twisting his ankle late in the second set as he trailed 7-6 (10-8) 6-6 in his meeting with the Spaniard, who is chasing a record-extending 14th title at Roland Garros.
Zverev and Nadal had been on court for three hours and 13 minutes, with the Spaniard winning the first set in a tie break, when the 25-year-old's injury occurred.
Following treatment on court, Zverev was wheeled into the locker room before returning on crutches to confirm his retirement and receive an embrace from his opponent.
"I am now on my way back home. Based on the first medical checks, it looks like I have torn several lateral ligaments in my right foot," the German, who was seeded third at Roland Garros, wrote on Instagram on Saturday.
"I will be flying to Germany on Monday to make further examinations and to determine the best and quickest way for me to recover."
Nadal, who celebrated his 36th birthday on Friday, now goes on to face Norway's Casper Ruud in Sunday's final as he seeks to extend his Grand Slam record to 22 wins.
"I want to congratulate Rafa," said Zverev. "It's incredible to see him in a 14th final and hopefully he can go all the way and make some more history.
"But, not an easy moment for me today and I'll keep everybody updated."
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