“Not easy to talk about what happened” Rafael Nadal empathizes with Alexander Zverev on his agonizing injury
Follow Us
Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev
Rafael Nadal was pitted against Alexander Zverev for his fifteenth semifinal at the French Open, while the German was playing his second consecutive Roland Garros semifinal. It was a heavyweight battle with two amazing tennis players battling it out at Phillipe-Chatrier. The match started with Zverev taking an early lead as he broke Rafa’s serve but then was broken back. Zverev saved a couple of set points to gain the lead in the tiebreak and it was Rafa’s turn to save four set points, which he saved successfully.
After a grueling one-and-a-half-hour first set, Nadal took the set 7-6(10-8) to take the lead in the match. The second set took some more physical toll on the players as they pushed the second set into the tiebreak. Added to the high-quality game by both players, there was a lot of humidity and the conditions were sluggish as the stadium’s roof was closed. Before Zverev chased down the ball to hit the last shot, he twisted his ankle and fell down howling in pain. As Zverev twisted his ankle, there was a snap sound and he let out a gut-wrenching cry. It became very clear after Zverev will not be able to continue the game.
Zverev left the stadium on a wheelchair, but return after a few minutes on crutches to announce his retirement. It was a great show of sportsmanship and fighting spirit from the German. Rafa was deeply concerned for Zverev too, he helped the German pack his bags and hugged him wishing him a speedy recovery. He also talked about the incident in the press conference.
Rafael Nadal gave his sympathies to Zverev in his post-match press conference.
In the press conference, Nadal said:
“It’s not easy and beautiful to talk after what happened. I hope it’s not too bad, just the normal thing when you twist your ankle, nothing broken. He started the match amazing. It’s a dream to be in final of Roland Garros, but if you’re human, you’re sorry for the colleague. I was with him checking the things. I’m not the one to say anything (on what we said). It’s up to him”
Nadal had already wished Zverev good luck for his recovery and he said that given Zverev’s caliber he will win many Grand Slams and it was very unfortunate that such an accident had befallen him.
Also Read: WATCH: “How many names can you mispronounce challenge” A hilarious mispronunciation of Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud, and Marin Cilic’s names by LA Sportscaster
Follow our page FirstSportz Tennis for the latest updates
Stay Updated!
Prateek Sinha
(365 Articles Published)