Alexander Zverev shows sportsmanship as Francisco Cerundolo retires hurt in Canadian Open clash

Alexander Zverev displayed a rare act of sportsmanship during his last-16 match at the Canadian Open, offering support to Francisco Cerundolo before the Argentine was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Top seed Zverev had taken control of the match in Toronto, leading 6-4, 1-0, when Cerundolo conceded due to an abdominal issue that had been troubling him since his previous match against Tomas Etcheverry. Despite the competitive stakes, Zverev chose empathy over intensity when he noticed his opponent struggling.

A moment of unexpected compassion

During the first set, Cerundolo called for a medical timeout to receive treatment for his abdominal discomfort. As play resumed, Zverev, leading 5-4 and preparing to serve for the set, walked over to Cerundolo’s chair. In an uncommon sight on the professional circuit, the German took about 20 seconds to speak with Cerundolo, offering what appeared to be heartfelt support.

The exchange between the two players, who share a friendship off the court, was visibly respectful. Zverev then returned to the baseline, closed out the first set, and secured an early break in the second before Cerundolo retired from the match.

Zverev commends Cerundolo after emotional exit

After the match, Zverev addressed the incident in his post-match comments, expressing concern for his opponent's well-being: