Alexander Zverev: I tore 'several lateral ligaments'

As expected, Alexander Zverev's injury is very serious. Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

Alexander Zverev says he tore 'several lateral ligaments' in French Open semifinal

By Adam Stites | Last updated 6/4/22

Alexander Zverev says he tore "several lateral ligaments" Friday when he collapsed during a semifinal match against Rafael Nadal at the French Open.

Zverev, 25, suffered the injury late in the second set when his right ankle rolled underneath him. He was taken off the court in a wheelchair and later returned on crutches to retire from the match. On Saturday, he said initial medical checks showed significant damage in his foot.

Damn man.... such a good match be sad if this ends it....#RolandGarros #Zverev #Nadal pic.twitter.com/72QzNplqp4
— Unholy Stables (@UnholyStable) June 3, 2022

"I am on my way back home," Zverev wrote on Instagram. "Based on the first medical checks, it looks like I have torn several lateral ligaments in my right foot. I will be flying to Germany on Monday to make further examinations and to determine the best and quickest way for me to recover."

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A post shared by Alexander Zverev (@alexzverev123)

Zverev lost the first set against Nadal, 7-6, and was tied 6-6 in the second set after getting injured during a game-deciding point. While Zverev is ATP's No. 3-ranked player and has 19 career titles in ATP singles tournaments, he has yet to win a Grand Slam. The closest he came was the 2020 U.S. Open when he lost 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 in the final against Dominic Thiem.

The injury will presumably keep Zverev out of action for Wimbledon, which is scheduled to begin later this month.

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