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Rafa Nadal's incredible act of class after Alexander Zverev injury

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
Rafa Nadal, pictured here consoling Alexander Zverev after the devastating scenes at the French Open.
Rafa Nadal consoled Alexander Zverev after the devastating scenes at the French Open. Image: Getty

Rafa Nadal has won widespread praise for his incredible reaction to Alexander Zverev's horror injury at the French Open.

Nadal was leading one set to love in his semi-final clash with Zverev on Friday when the German rolled his ankle and went down in agony at 6-6 in the second.

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Zverev was retrieving a ball on his forehand side when his right ankle buckled underneath him and he screamed out in pain before hitting the deck.

The World No.3 was taken from the court in a wheelchair before returning on crutches to inform Nadal and the umpire that he couldn't continue.

Amid the distressing scenes, Nadal showed why he is regarded as one of the classiest athletes in world sport.

He immediately rushed around the net to check on Zverev when he first went down, and was spotted packing his opponent's bag for him when the match was called off.

Nadal also consoled a devastated Zverev when he returned to the court, before paying tribute to his fallen opponent afterwards.

"It's very tough, very sad for him," Nadal said in his on-court interview.

"He was playing an unbelievable tournament, and I know he was fighting to win a grand slam.

"I'm sure he will win more than one and I wish him all the best."

Rafa Nadal, pictured here packing Alexander Zverev's bag after his devastating injury.
Rafa Nadal helped pack Alexander Zverev's bag after his devastating injury. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the 21-time grand slam champion added: “Only thing that I can say is I hope he’s not too bad.

"Hopefully it’s just the normal thing when you turn your ankle, and hopefully nothing (is broken). That’s what everybody hopes.

“Even if for me it’s a dream to be in the final of Roland Garros, of course that way is not the way that we want it to be.

"If you are human, you should feel very sorry for a colleague.”

Nadal's classy actions were praised by fans on social media.

Rafa Nadal and Casper Ruud in French Open final

Nadal will face Casper Ruud in Sunday's final after the Norwegian reached his first grand slam final despite his match with Marin Cilic being interrupted by a woman invading the court.

She strolled onto Court Phillipe-Chatrier unchallenged during the third set and attached herself to the net, raising serious questions about security at Roland Garros.

After a short warm-up the players resumed the match and eighth seed Ruud wrapped up a 3-6 6-4 6-2 6-2 victory.

"It was a great match from my side. I didn't start the greatest but Marin also played well in the first set," Ruud said.

The protester, pictured here tying herself to the net during Casper Ruud's semi-final clash with Marin Cilic.
The protester tied herself to the net during Casper Ruud's semi-final clash with Marin Cilic. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

"I was too defensive. I broke him in the second set and after that break I started to play some of my best tennis this year, serving well and playing aggressive.

"Marin is usually the one playing very fast, he was serving big playing well coming to the net so I figured I had to step up counter-attacks and go for some fast shots and it helped and worked out and I raised my level.

"I've been looking up to Rafa, the player I'm playing in the final.

"He never complains, he is the perfect example of how you should be on the court - never giving up and never complaining."

Ruud is the first man from Norway to reach a grand slam final.

with agencies

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