The images were brutal and the first medical examinations confirmed the visual impression.
Hit in the ankle at the end of the second round of his semi-final against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, Alexander Zverev will be out for six to eight weeks, according to the team.
While seriously jostling Nadal, the German twisted his ankle at the end of the second set (7/6, 6-6) and had to give up before leaving the Philippe-Chatrier court on crutches.
His injury could deprive him of Wimbledon.
The English Major starts on Monday June 27.
"According to the first medical examinations, it seems that I tore several lateral ligaments in my right foot," he said on Instagram on Saturday.
The world number 3 (25) flew “to Germany on Monday to do further examinations and determine the best way for (him) to recover”.
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If he has already started his rehabilitation, his Grand Slam desires will have to wait until the US Open (August 29-September 11).
The German wants to sign his return during the American tour in early August.
His last six months of 2021 had sown great promise for 2022. However, his start to the season disappointed and Zverev was more talked about for his bloodshed than for his tennis.
In Acapulco, he had smashed his racquet on the referee's chair and came close to a heavy suspension.
His campaign on clay was much more promising.
Until this uncertain support against the future winner of the tournament.