Alexander Zverev has come a long way from leaving the Roland Garros court in a wheelchair just three years ago.
The German is looking to make it to a fifth French Open semi-final as Novak Djokovic stands in his way of a place in the final four.
The German is looking to make it to a fifth French Open semi-final as Novak Djokovic stands in his way of a place in the final four.
Just 12 months ago, he made it all the way to the final before being beaten by Carlos Alcaraz as the wait for a maiden Grand Slam title goes on.
The 28-year-old’s record at Roland Garros has been remarkably consistent, considering the gruesome injury he suffered on the red clay in 2022.
Zverev was facing Rafael Nadal in the semi-final and the fans were witnessing what promised to be an all-time classic.
The game had not even gone two sets when the clock ticked over the three hour mark as the pair went toe-to-toe.
The German then rolled his ankle as he was sliding to reach the ball and let out a horrifying scream.
There was immediate concern for Zverev as Nadal checked on his opponent. He was then taken off court in a wheelchair, before returning on crutches to confirm that he would have to withdraw from the match.
Speaking in his on court interview, Nadal said: “I’ve been there in a small room with Sascha before we came back on court and to see him crying there is a very tough moment so all the best to him.”
Zverev himself even feared the worst when he initially suffered the injury.
He said in December 2022: “When the accident happened, the first thought was, ‘Your career is over. What if something is broken that you can never come back from or will never come back from?’”
Nadal comforted Zverev as he returned on crutchesAFPHe required surgery to repair his ligaments and subsequent setbacks meant his 2022 season was completely derailed.
When asked about the low points in his recovery, Zverev said: “Definitely, I think there were a few of them. But the one was really when I thought I was healthy and when I thought I could come back in the Davis Cup.
“And the actual injury was also healed, but then I was told that the bones are not ready for the strain. Because I had extreme bone damage, had bone edema, and also a stress fracture in my bone at some point.”
Zverev admitted he was not full pain free until the following February and remarkably managed to come back and reach the semi-final of Roland Garros just 12 months on.
The German is the number three seed at this year’s French Open and 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic stands in his way.
Djokovic himself has slipped down to number six in the world, but shouldn’t be considered a dark horse according to Zverev.
Zverev has the chance to make the final four againGettyHe replied: “I mean, the guy won 24 Grand Slams. He’s never going to be a black horse. He definitely knows how to play tennis. He definitely knows what it means to be on the big stage and to play big matches. There is no doubt about that.
“Of course, until this moment, I had to focus on my matches. Now, from this moment onwards, I have to focus on Novak.
“But Novak Djokovic will never be a black horse. For me, Carlos is the favourite. I have said that before. Then I would say the next three in line are Jannik, myself, and Novak, right?
“I still believe that. I still believe on tennis and on experience Novak is up there with us, no question about that at all.”
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