“Slow conditions are bad” Rafael Nadal defends the French Open surface after the freaky accident of Alexander Zverev
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Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev
World No. 5 Rafael Nadal is back in the finals of the 2022 French Open as an untimely end to his semi-final clash sees him reach his 14th final in the Stade Roland Garros. Up against last year’s semi-finalist and World No. 3 Alexander Zverev, Nadal advances to the finals with a 7-6(8), 6-6 score after Zverev retired.
Playing in the 12th game of the second set, Zverev was attempting to return a forehand by Nadal on the line and the German on his way to the ball twisted his ankle and fell down in agonising pain having reportedly broken his tendon near the ankle as he screamed in pain rolling in the clay with the medical team along with Nadal from the other side rushing towards him for help.
Zverev had to be taken in a wheelchair to the locker room but the German returned back after a short while on crutches to thank the crowd and formally announce his forfeit as he was in no position to play finding it difficult to even stand. This incident led to many questioning if the surface was at fault as the two players played big rallies on the slow court and if it somehow led to the German’s accident.
“Zverev’s two-handed backhand is probably the best”: Rafael Nadal
Having been the most successful player at the Grand Slam and amassed a great knowledge of the surface over the years, Nadal did not entertain the thought that the surface was the cause of Zverev’s injury. While he did admit that the conditions were tough with the roof on Philippe-Chatrier closed, he maintained his stance of not blaming the surface.
“The court was not in bad conditions. That’s not why Zverev turned his ankle. It was an accident. Very tough conditions. The roof closed, humid, very difficult to create spin. Zverev’s two-handed backhand is probably the best in the world right now.
“I want to make it clear again, slow conditions on clay for clay specialists are bad. They are better for the ones that hit flatter, big. It wasn’t the worst conditions I had here. I played a semi vs. Federer under a hurricane. In 2014, the final was very humid. I have to manage every situation I’m facing anyway,” said Nadal in his press conference after the match with Sascha.
Also Read: BREAKING: Rafael Nadal to take a break after Roland Garros, will miss Wimbledon
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)