A sad end to Friday's French Open semi-finals saw Rafael Nadal progress to the final at the expense of the injured Alexander Zverev.
Zverev's shocking ankle injury led to him leaving the court in a wheelchair, and the game being forfeited. After the game, Nadal not only expressed his sympathy for the injured German, but had to deal with an unusual question in the post-match press conference surrounding his own injury issues.
Rafael Nadal asked unusual press conference question at French Open
Rafael Nadal's miraculous resurgence in his late career has been a joy to watch in 2022. The Spaniard celebrated his 36th birthday with a semi-final win over Alexander Zverev on Friday, though the triumph would have been a bittersweet one for Nadal.
The game ended in a walkover, after Zverev suffered an awful ankle injury. The German appeared to twist his ankle and received a standing ovation when he reappeared on crutches later in the evening.
"He was playing an unbelievable tournament." 💬🇫🇷
Rafa Nadal pays tribute to @AlexZverev after reaching his 14th French Open final in difficult circumstances.#RolandGarros | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/0m29GMR0LL— Eurosport (@eurosport) June 3, 2022
The game was stood at 7-6 6-6 when it was curtailed, and Nadal paid tribute to his ailing rival after the match, saying that Zverev had been playing an amazing tournament.
Nadal said: "It's very tough and very sad for him. He was playing unbelievable tournament, he's a very good colleague on the tour. I know how much he's fighting to win a Grand Slam but for now he was unlucky. I'm sure he's going to win not one but much more than one - I wish him all the best and a very fast recovery."
The post-match press conference would bring an unusual question for Rafael Nadal.
The 21-times Grand Slam champion has had well-documented injury struggles of his own, with his knees in particular causing issues for him in recent years. Nadal was asked whether he would rather win the final and continue playing with his current feet, or to lose and "get a new foot".
Nadal's answer was definitive:
I would prefer to lose Sunday's final and get a new foot.
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.
Rafael Nadal will go for his 22nd Grand Slam title in Sunday's French Open final. He will face Norwegian player Casper Ruud, after Ruud's victory over Marin Cilic in Friday's other semi-final.
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