"It looks like I have a very serious injury but the medical team and the doctors are still checking on it" - Alexander Zverev provides injury update
Alexander Zverev's French Open campaign was cut short when he severely rolled his ankle during Friday's semifinal against Rafael Nadal. The German took to social media to announce that his injury was of a "serious" nature and he was still being examined by his medical team.
Zverev, who lost the first set tie-break to the 13-time champion, was tied at 6-6 with Nadal in the second set when he slipped and rolled his ankle while attempting a forehand.
The German fell and screamed in pain and had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair.
"It looks like I have a very serious injury but the medical team and the doctors are still checking on it, we will keep you updated. We will let you know as soon as we know more," Zverev said.
The first semifinal of the day had all the makings of a memorable contest as the two players battled for an hour and a half before the Spaniard clinched the first set.
The World No. 3 had his chances but was unable to make the most of four set points. The see-saw duel continued unabated in the second set as well.
The German acknowledged that the semifinal was "fantastic" up until the freak injury forced him to concede the match.
"Very difficult moment for me today on the court. Obviously a fantastic match until what happened."
"It's incredible for him to be in his 14th final" - Alexander Zverev on Rafael Nadal
Alexander Zverev congratulated Nadal for making it to the French Open final for the 14th time in his career and said he hoped that the Spaniard could make more history.
#UPDATE After leaving the court in a wheelchair, Zverev returned minutes later on crutches to formally concede the match to Nadal, who advances to a 14th French Open final
The pair had dueled for over three hours when Zverev rolled his ankle
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"I want to congratulate Rafa obviously. It's incredible for him to be in his 14th final. Hopefully he can go all the way and make some more history."
The 36-year-old has never lost a French Open final. The Mallorcan last won the tournament in 2020 by defeating arch rival Novak Djokovic in the final. Djokovic overcame Nadal in the semifinals at Roland Garros last year.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion will face Casper Ruud in the finals on Sunday for a chance to win a record-extending 14th French Open title and 22nd Grand Slam trophy.