'I'd prefer to lose final and get a new foot' - Rafael Nadal responds to bizarre question at French Open

Rafael Nadal was posed a strange hypothetical question during his post-match press conference after reaching the final of the French Open on Friday. Nadal progressed to the final at Roland-Garros, but with the match having been in the balance against Zverev at 7-6(2) 6-6 when the German had to retire hurt following a nasty ankle injury. Ad/> Zverev cried out in agony after going over on his right ankle, and the severity of the injury was immediately clear.

The third seed had to leave the court in a wheelchair after being consoled by Nadal. Roland-GarrosFrench Open order of play, Day 14 – Swiatek v GauffAN HOUR AGO After a short period, Zverev returned to the court on crutches to confirm his retirement — with Nadal progressing to the final. Asked in his post-match press conference if a genie offered him a new foot if he lost the final on Sunday he would take the deal or if he would rather win the final and keep his current foot, Nadal was clear in his response.

«I would prefer to lose Sunday's final and get a new foot,» Nadal said. «I would be happy with my life with a new foot. [To] win is beautiful, but life is much more important than any title, especially after the career that I've had.» Earlier, he gave his thoughts on his fallen opponent, who suffered such a gut-wrenching injury at a crucial point in the match.

He was as magnanimous as ever. ‘A piece of your life is taken away’ — Brother Mischa on Zverev's heartbreaking injury 'Hearing those cries you knew it was serious' — Evert on horror Zverev injury 'Just gut-wrenching' — Zverev injury horrible to see says Wilander “I know how much he was fighting to win a Grand Slam,” he said. “For the moment he was very unlucky.