The 2022 French Open semifinal match between Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev felt like it would go on forever.
And then, in a flash, it was over.
Not even two sets could be completed over the course of three hours and 13 minutes, but it ended in a split second. With Nadal serving at 5-6, 40-30 in the second, he struck a down-the-line forehand that had Zverev on the run into the deuce corner. As the German tried to send a forehand back, he rolled over on his right ankle in gruesome fashion.
While they should have been starting a second consecutive tiebreaker (Nadal had taken the first one 10-8 to end an opening set that lasted one hour and 31 minutes), Zverev was writhing on the clay in agony. The 25-year-old had to be carted off the court in a wheelchair.
Inevitably, Zverev returned five minutes later only to shake hands with the chair umpire and give Nadal a hug.
“Of course it’s not easy to talk after what happened,” Nadal said during his post-match press conference. “(The) only thing that I can say is I hope he’s not too bad. Hopefully it’s just the normal thing when you turn your ankle, and hopefully [nothing is broken]. That’s what everybody hopes. I was with Sascha (in the locker room and it looks like) they need to keep checking.
“[It was] a very, very tough match. I think he started the match playing amazing. I know how much it means to him, fighting to win his first Grand Slam. We are colleagues; we have practiced together a lot of times. (To) see a colleague on the tour like this, even if for me it’s a dream to be in the final of Roland Garros, of course that way is not the way that we want it to be. [I feel] very sorry…if you are human, you should feel very sorry for a colleague.”
The manner in which it ended aside, Nadal won’t be sorry to get some unexpected rest. At 7-6(8), 6-6, it was no guarantee that the 21-time major champion was going to win the match at all. And even if he would have gone on to prevail, Nadal undoubtedly would have been pushed way past the four-hour mark.
Now he heads into Sunday’s final against Casper Ruud on a full tank of gas.
But nothing about how Friday’s match ended was fortunate–not even for Nadal.
wow
very sorry for Zverev..The way he cried out loud sounds horrible landing. When you roll over ankle, does it hurt instantly that much unless something is broken? hope its just sprain so he can play wimbledon….get well soon Zverev.
Absolute shame, and missing Wimby looks likely – just heard Rafa has pulled out of same
Thats two big favourites gone
Really sad and unfortunate for him. Just heard him giving update that it looks serious injury. really Hope he gets well soon
I never liked Zverev and the whole GF affair made me disdain him even more. However, I did not want this to end like that.
The conditions were a joke, both players struggled to make a winner. Hard to say who was the most affected – probably Rafa since he struggles physically not just game wise when humidity is high.
I watched the other SF, partially, but could not get much from it. Cilic movers rather poorly so it’s hard to say whether Ruud hit that well or the opponent was just too immobile.
The final should be interesting, I am waiting for the predictions here.
Cannot underestimate rudd. He is a good clay courter and has nothing to lose.
Rafa is way better skill wise ..the only issue is the humidity due to roof close and if he tightens up going for 22..crowd will massively support him though.
Nadal doesn’t get tight. Never, ever.
except when he’s trying to consolidate a break
Rafas agent Benito on wimby
https://mobile.twitter.com/b1pr/status/1532992595802087424
So sad, but both men were class acts after the injury. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!
Very sad outcome. I thought the conditions were terrible and you could very clearly see how difficult it was to hit through the court. Rafa somehow stole that first set but again he also had set points at in the tenth game at 5-4.
It was a day when Zverev was not only serving great but also hitting his forehand amazingly well. When he does that, he is one heck of a force to be reckoned with. I think this is the first time in 2022 he really got it right!
Tactically he was astute. I was also impressed with how he played against Alcaraz. Maybe Sergi Bruguera has a role there?
Rafa looked very tired even though he was refusing to get tired. He wants to get that trophy for the 14th time and he will.
You’d think that Ruud has a weak serve and an average backhand so Rafa will win in 3 sets. Ruud’s forehand is destructive and he can defend well so losing a set a possibility but I like Rafa winning with 7-9 games lost.
Agreed, about his tactics against Alcaraz; Zverev and his team got it right, by playing lights out tennis, overpowering Alcaraz without committing too many errors. Zverev played almost flawless attacking tennis to beat Alcaraz, and Alcaraz didn’t come with a plan B in his game.
The way Zverev played in the QF, and in the first set of the SF, it’s like Cilic in 2014 USO, or Delpo in 2009 USO, or Stan at AO2014 and FO2016, they are/were almost flawless with their relentless attacking tennis.
It’s amazing how Rafa managed to win the first set, esp the TB when he was 2-6 down. He himself had a chance to win that first set before the TB but failed to concert all those set points, which Zverev saved with brilliant serving and hitting.
If Zverev continues to play like this, he will be a force to be reckoned with and a slam title or two will be within his reach.