These images are not what we want to see on a tennis court. Alexander Zverev, who was on crutches and in tears when he left Philippe Chatrier court, was applauded by his fans as they chanted his name.
After leading the first set to one, the German won the second set 6-5 against Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard took the third set to 6-6. The pressure on his ankle caused the world number three to bend under the pressure as he tried again to recoup the blow.
Zverev began screaming in pain, clutching his ankle and crying. He was unable to stand on his own. Zverev was then taken to a hospital in a wheelchair, while he waited to see if the game would resume.
Nadal and the public were not fooled by the German’s inability to reverse the course of the game. He returned to greet the public, and he announced his abandonment.
Rafael Nadal, for his part, didn’t have the head of celebration. He rushed to help his opponent but had only positive words to Zverev. “I am very sorry. He was a great colleague on the circuit and had a fantastic tournament. He was not lucky. He was unlucky, but I’m sure he’ll win many Grand Slam tournaments in the future and I wish him a speedy recovery,” said the French televisions world number five.
