Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during the men's singles semifinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
PARIS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Rafael Nadal progressed into the French Open final for a record-extending 14th time on Friday after Alexander Zverev retired over an ankle injury when trailing by 7-6 (8), 6-6 in their semifinal clash.
Third-seeded Zverev was trying to save the ball in Game 12 of the second set when he fell down, screaming in pain.
"If you are human, you should feel very sorry for a colleague. I hope that he's not too badly injured, I hope it's not broken," said Nadal.
The tearful German had to leave the court in a wheelchair and after a few minutes, he came back with a pair of crutches to announce his retirement.
"I know how much he's fighting to win a Grand Slam. For the moment, he was very unlucky. I'm sure he'll win not one, but much more than one. I wish him all the best," Nadal added.
Next for Nadal in the final will be either Croatian veteran Marin Cilic or Norway's young gun Casper Ruud. ■
Alexander Zverev of Germany hits a return during the men's singles semifinal match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during the men's singles semifinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return during the men's singles semifinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates during the men's singles semifinal match against Rafael Nadal of Spain at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Rafael Nadal (R) of Spain reacts during the men's singles semifinal match against Alexander Zverev of Germany at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Combined photo taken on June 3, 2022, shows Alexander Zverev falling injured on court during the men's singles semifinal match between Alexander Zverev of Germany and Rafael Nadal of Spain at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Alexander Zverev falls injured on court during the men's singles semifinal match between Alexander Zverev of Germany and Rafael Nadal of Spain at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Alexander Zverev with crutches gestures to referee as he retires from the match after sustaining an injury during the men's singles semifinal match between Alexander Zverev of Germany and Rafael Nadal of Spain at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, June 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
