Alexander Zverev admits ‘toughest moment of career’ was his match against Rafael Nadal at 2022 French Open
Alexander Zverev injured his ankle during his match against Rafael Nadal in the semifinal of the 2022 French Open.
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Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev (Images via X)
Alexander Zverev will never forget the 2022 French Open nightmare. He was a World No. 3 and faced fifth-seed Rafael Nadal in the semifinal. Knowing that he was just one match away from becoming No. 1, he had to give his all.
He did not let Nadal win the first set easily in the second set as well, it was the same story. Then an unfortunate thing happened that forced him to end his season, ruining his chances to become World No.1. He badly injured his ankle and gave a walkover to Nadal.
In my opinion, 2022 at Roland Garros was the toughest moment of my career. I was one match away from world No. 1 and I was probably playing the best tennis of my life against the greatest clay-court player of all time, Rafael Nadal. It was a tough moment for me because, you know, even if I lost the match – I mean, it’s Nadal, anything can happen.
Alexander Zverev told HEAD Tennis (via YouTube)
It was tough for the German to be in a cast and not be able to walk and do daily things. Nadal, after receiving the walkover met Casper Ruud in the final and beat him in straight sets to win his career’s last Grand Slam title.
Alexander Zverev recalls playing in a special atmosphere during match against Rafael Nadal
Alexander Zverev was one of the players who defeated Rafael Nadal multiple times. Twice they met at Roland Garros, in the semifinals in 2022, and in the first round in 2024.
Nadal, after making his comeback from the hip injury he suffered during the 2023 Australian Open wasn’t a favorite at all, even in the tournament he won a record 14 times. Ahead of the match, Zverev found the atmosphere crazy when Nadal had all his French Open titles announced.
For me, it was just when the announcer started going through his highlights. Roland Garros champion in 2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10 etc. With everyone, the crowd was getting louder and louder. For me, I was like I will never experience this on the court again and the atmosphere was more special than our semi-final match, which is crazy.
Alexander Zverev said on A BIS Z podcast podcast
The 38-year-old lost their last encounter in straight sets. Nadal has clashed with Zverev 11 times winning seven of those matches. After playing his first final of the season at the Swedish Open, the King of Clay bade his farewell at the Davis Cup in November.
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Gouri Das
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