"What a sad situation, never want to see a match end like this" - Ana Ivanovic, James Blake and other tennis figures react to Alexander Zverev's freak injury
Alexander Zverev's 2022 French Open run came to an unexpected and painful end on Friday, as the German was forced to retire against Rafael Nadal with an ankle injury in their semifinal encounter.
Trailing 7-6(8), 6-6, the World No. 3 took a nasty tumble while attempting a running forehand and rolled his ankle in the process. After a thorough examination by medical staff, the 25-year-old was deemed unfit to continue and conceded the match to the Mallorcan.
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. https://t.co/pUNNPmHhnF
Tennis fans on social media immediately flocked to wish the German a speedy recovery. His fellow tennis players followed suit.
"Get well soon Alexander Zverev! Wishing you a speedy recovery," former WTA No. 1 Ana Ivanovic tweeted.
Get well soon @AlexZverev! Wishing you a speedy recovery #RolandGarros
"What a sad situation for Alexander Zverev in the semis. Never want to see a match end like this. Especially one this well played and hard fought," former ATP player James Blake tweeted.
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.
"Heartbreaking for Zverev. He’s fought so long and hard. Hoping he’s ok. Coming out to a standing ovation on court in crutches. What a moment. Speedy recovery, Alexander Zverev," Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig tweeted.
Heartbreaking for Zverev… he’s fought so long and hard… hoping he’s ok, but doubtful he will continue
Zverev coming out to a standing ovation on court in crutches… What a moment…
Speedy recovery @AlexZverev 💔
"Zverev on crutches, what a tough way to end the match. Hopefully not ligament damage," former ATP player and tennis coach Brad Gilbert tweeted.
A2Z on crutches what tough way to end the match hopefully 
not ligament damagewow 😯A2Z on crutches what tough way to end the match hopefully 🙏 not ligament damage
"Get well soon," the Rafa Nadal Academy's official handle tweeted.
Get well soon, @AlexZverev! 💔 https://t.co/sbdcS54hTn
"Get well soon, Sascha," the PTPA's official handle tweeted.
Get well soon, Sascha 🙏 #RolandGarros twitter.com/rolandgarros/s…
"To see Alexander Zverev crying there is a very tough moment, all the best to him and his team" - Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal also joined the chorus of people wishing Alexander Zverev a speedy recovery, remarking in his post-match victory speech that it was "very tough" to see the German visibly in pain.
"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. All the best to him and his team," Nadal said.
Feel better soon, @AlexZverev
#RolandGarros https://t.co/llsywA21jY
Hailing the World No. 3 as a "very good colleague" who was having an unbelievable tournament, the 21-time Grand Slam champion said he hoped to see him in action soon.
"Very tough and very sad for him. Honestly, he was playing an unbelievable tournament. He is a very good colleague on the tour. I know how much he is fighting to win a Grand Slam, but at the moment he is very unlucky. I wish him all the very best," Nadal added.
Up next, the Spaniard will cross swords with either Casper Ruud or Marin Cilic in Sunday's summit clash, where he will attempt to win his 14th French Open and 22nd Grand Slam title.