Rafael Nadal's 36th birthday couldn't have been more happening as the World no.5 stormed into his 14th French Open final owing to Alexander Zverev's injury that forced him to withdraw from the semi-final match under a closed roof over Court Philippe-Chatrier on Friday (June 3).
It could have been one of the most epic encounters in the Roland Garros semi-finals but Zverev twisted his ankle as he tried to retrieve a shot in the 12th game of the second set and screamed in pain before being taken off the court in a wheelchair.
After several minutes off court, he returned to the Philippe Chatrier arena on crutches to concede the match. He was trailing Nadal 7-6(8) 6-6 when the match ended abruptly. Nadal is now through to his 14th French Open final and now awaits the winner of Casper Ruud versus Marin Cilic.
Zverev made a stronger start and led 4-2 before Nadal bounced back to get back on the positive side.
The German fended off three set points in the tenth game to introduce a tie break and opened a 6-2 advantage.
Giving his best to survive, Rafael fended off four set points and stole the breaker 10-8 for a massive boost after an epic battle. Zverev led 5-3 in the second set and served for it before Nadal made another escape to prolong his chances.
The set should have gone into a tie break, but Alexander injured his ankle in the 12th game's last point, leaving the court and returning on crutches just to announce the retirement.
“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," Nadal added.
He further 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."
