French Open: Alexander Zverev expresses concerns that ankle injury is 'very serious'

Alexander Zverev backed Rafael Nadal to go on and win a 14th French Open title after revealing concerns that the ankle injury which forced him to withdraw from Friday's semi-final against the Spaniard is "very serious". Zverev had to be pushed off the Philippe Chatrier court on a wheelchair after twisting his ankle late in the second set as he trailed 7-6(8), 6-6 in his meeting with the 21-time Grand Slam champion. "Very difficult moment for me today on the court, obviously a fantastic match until what happened," Zverev said in a video posted on the French Open's Twitter account.

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Alexander Zverev, who was giving Rafael Nadal a run around his own house -- Court Philippe Chatrier -- for 3 hours 3 minutes, of the first men's semifinal, which looked set to challenge some time records, broke his ankle and exited the stage in tears. 7-6 (10-8), 6-6 was where the scoreboard was

"Looks like I have a very serious injury, but the medical team and the doctors are still checking on it and we'll keep you updated, we'll let you know as soon as we know more." Zverev and Nadal had been on court for three hours and 13 minutes, with the Spaniard winning the first set in a tie break, when the 25-year-old's injury occurred.

Following treatment on court, Zverev was wheeled into the locker room before returning on crutches to confirm his retirement and receive an embrace from his opponent. Nadal, who celebrated his 36th birthday on Friday, now goes on to face Norway's Casper Ruud in Sunday's final as he seeks a 14th Roland Garros title and to extend his record number of Grand Slam crown.

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