The Spaniard led the final against the German Olympic winner Alexander Zverev with 1-0 nine sets after a close battle at the Philippe Chartier facility in Paris. But on the same ball that Rafael Nadal secured a tiebreak in the second set, at the position 6-6, the German stepped ugly over. The howling could be heard outside the stadium and the 15,000 people in the stands became silent. At that time, it was completely even and open who would make it to the finals for a meeting with Casper Ruud. WENT STRAIGHTLY: Alexander Zverev held on to his ankle after the injury. Photo: Michel Euler / AP Zverev had a golden opportunity to land the first set when he led 6-2 and got four set balls. But Nadal kept up with sparkling tennis and took it in the end. The second set was a bit absurd. Zverev failed when he had to serve for the set. Nadal needed five serve games before he could keep his own serve. On the ball where Nadal secured the tiebreak, it seemed that Zverev stepped over – before he was transported out for treatment of the foot. The break in the game came at 7-6, 6-6 in Nadal’s favor. – He was very unlucky A few minutes later Zverev came out on the field on crutches to thank the referee and Nadal for the match. – I’m very sad on his behalf. He played an incredible tournament and is a very good colleague. I know how much he fights to win a Grand Slam, but he was very unlucky. I am sure he will win more than just one in the future, says Nadal after the match which lasted more than three hours. THANK YOU FOR THE MATCH: Alexander Zverev gives Rafael Nadal a hug on the field. Photo: YVES HERMAN / Reuters – It was very tough to see him cry. I wish him all the best, says Nadal. At the press conference afterwards, he also talked about the opponent’s injury. – It is not easy to talk after what happened. I hope it is not so bad, hopefully a cover and not a break, says Nadal. Only three losses in Roland Garros – It was a very tough match. He started incredibly well. I know how much it means to him to win his first Grand Slam. I was with him and he was examined. He was checked and I was there to visit, but I will not say anything. Rafael Nadal has won all of his 13 finals in the French Grand Tournament. He holds the record for the number of Grand Slam triumphs: 21. Only two players have beaten him in the tournament before: Robin Söderling (2009) and Novak Djokovic (2015 and 2021).
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Zverev out in a wheelchair – Nadal meets Ruud in the final – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
