French Open: Rafael Nadal Would Prefer To Lose Final And Get New Foot

Rafael Nadal said he would "prefer to lose Sunday's final" in exchange for a new left foot after making his 14th French Open championship match on Friday. Nadal reached the final after Alexander Zverev was forced to retire from their last-four clash with an ankle injury. Nadal, the 13-time champion, will be chasing a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title on Sunday but has insisted throughout this Roland Garros that a chronic left foot injury means any match could be the last of his standout career.

"Without a doubt, I'd prefer to lose the final," said Nadal who turned 36 on Friday.

"My opinion does not change. A new foot would allow me to be happier in my daily life.

"Winning is very nice and gives you an adrenaline rush, but it's temporary and then you have to go on living."

"I have a life ahead of me and in the future I would love to play sports with my friends. My happiness goes ahead of any title," he insisted.

Nadal will face Casper Ruud in the final on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Nadal said it was only "human" of him to feel sympathy for Zverev after the injury which forced him to retire from the semi-final.

Tearful German world number three Zverev had to leave the court in a wheelchair after his fall late in the second set which left him writhing and screaming in agony.

When he hobbled back on to Court Philippe Chatrier on crutches to concede the match, the two men shared a warm embrace.

"If you are human, you feel sorry for a colleague," said Nadal.

Zverev was trailing 7-6 (10/8), 6-6 after more than three hours of play at the time of the horror injury.

"It's not easy to talk about. I hope that he's not too badly injured, I hope it's not broken," said Nadal. "I was with him when he was having the ultra-sound."

The match