Rafael Nadal has advanced to the final of the French Open after Alexander Zverev had to withdraw due to injury.
With the score 7-6, 6-6 in favor of Nadal, the German third seed collapsed and hurt himself, weeping in anguish as a worried Nadal ran around the net to offer his condolences.
Medical personnel assisted Zverev to his feet, but he was wheeled off the court for treatment. He reappeared, crutches in hand, to advise the umpire that he was unable to continue.
As his current effort for a grand slam victory came to a terrible end, the spectators on Court Philippe-Chatrier rose to honor world No 3 as his latest campaign for a grand slam trophy came to a catastrophic end.
“It’s very tough and very sad for him. He was playing an unbelievable tournament and he’s a very good colleague on the tour,” said Nadal.
“I know how much he’s fighting to win a Grand Slam. For the moment, he was very unlucky. I’m sure he’ll win not one, but much more than one. I wish him all the best.
“It had been a super tough match. Over three hours and we didn’t even finish the second set. It’s one of the biggest challenges on the tour when he’s playing like he did today.”
He added: “For me, to be in the final of Roland Garros is a dream, without a doubt, but at the same time, for it to finish that way… I have been there in the small room with Sascha and to see him crying like that – I wish him all the best.”
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