Zverev injury: tennis star shares bitter diagnosis – Boris Becker reports from prison

Created: 06/07/2022, 09:14

By: Marius Epp, Christoph Gschoßmann, Tom Offinger, Christoph Klaucke

Tennis ace Alexander Zverev is recovering on the sofa after his serious foot injury at the French Open.

© Alexander Zverev/Instagram

Alexander Zverev tore several ligaments in his foot in the semifinals of the French Open against Rafael Nadal.

The 25-year-old announced this via Instagram.

• Drama in the

  French Open

  semifinals:

  Alexander Zverev

  twists his ankle with serious consequences and has to give up against

  Rafael Nadal

  .

• Boris Becker

  reports from

  prison

  : ex-tennis star wishes Zverev "quick and good recovery"

• First diagnosis: On Instagram, the German suspects that he has suffered a “serious injury”.

  Several ligaments are affected.

• This news ticker is continuously updated.

Update from June 6, 2:45 p.m .:

As expected, Alexander Zverev canceled his participation in the lawn tournament in Halle / Westphalia.

The organizers announced this on Monday.

Zverev twisted his ankle badly against Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the French Open on Friday and, according to initial findings, tore several outer ligaments.

His start in Wimbledon (from June 27th) is also questionable.

"It's incredibly bitter for Sascha, he played an outstanding tournament and had a real chance of winning the title and number one in the world," said Ralf Weber, tournament director in East Westphalia.

The South African Lloyd Harris also canceled, but Daniel Altmaier (Kempen) and Oscar Otte (Cologne) are moving into the main draw in Halle.

The tournament starts next Monday (June 13).

Zverev reports from the sofa: cuddling with the dogs after the injury

Update from June 6, 11:30 a.m .:

Alexander Zverev has reported back from sick leave, this time apparently from the sofa at home.

The 25-year-old posted a photo of his legs on Instagram, the injured right foot is in a splint and is raised for better recovery.

"The treatment has begun," Zverev writes about the picture and adds two dog emojis.

Two cuddly four-legged friends are still romping around on the couch, which will certainly distract the tennis player a little after the serious injury.

Boris Becker reports from prison: ex-tennis star wishes Zverev "quick and good recovery"

Update from June 5, 7 p.m.:

After retiring due to injury in the semifinals of the French Open, Alexander Zverev even received encouraging words from Boris Becker, who is currently in prison.

"He also received a message from Boris.

Boris said he followed what was happening in the tournament and wishes Sascha all the best and a quick and good recovery," said Zverev's brother and manager Mischa Zverev on Sunday as a TV expert at Eurosport.

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Becker was sentenced to two and a half years in London at the end of April, the second half of which is expected to be suspended.

He had concealed assets worth millions from his insolvency administrators.

Becker is being held in Huntercombe Prison in Nuffield, about 70 kilometers west of London.

However, Mischa Zverev believes that the injury will not throw his brother off track.

"I think he will come back even stronger, even more mature, even calmer, more self-confident," said Mischa Zverev.

Update from June 5, 2:28 p.m .:

Alexander Zverev was unlucky - but who will win the title?

Follow the French Open final between Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud live here in the ticker.

French Open: Stars send recovery wishes to Alexander Zverev

Update from June 5, 9:50 a.m .:

Alexander Zverev received recovery wishes from all over the world after his bad accident in the semifinals of the French Open.

Many stars also contact the German tennis ace via Instagram, for example.

FC Bayern professional Thomas Müller wrote: "Get well soon Sascha" and added that Zverev had "delivered a blatant match".

He also posted the hashtag #comebackstronger - come back stronger.

Zverev is considered a big Bayern fan.

Ex-NBA superstar Dirk Nowitzki also posted a few words: "Get well soon, my boy!" Wrote the ex-Dallas professional.

Another star from the world of basketball addressed words to Zverev: Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat wrote to Zverev: "Relax my brother" and sent him a heart.

Wimbledon winner Sabine Lisicky also wrote: "Get well soon, Sascha!" She gave him hope: "Next time the title is yours!" Zverev missed the tournament in England due to the injury, among other things.

Tennis colleague Alejandro Davidovich Fokina also wished his "brother" Zverev a "speedy recovery" - also with a heart.

Alexander Zverev: First diagnosis there: "Several lateral ligaments torn in the right foot"

June 4 update.

9:20 p.m .:

At least the smile doesn’t seem to have passed by the end of the day.

Alexander Zverev spoke to his fans with an Instagram post the day after his bitter exit in the semifinals of the French Open.

There you can see the tennis ace with crutches standing in front of a private jet.

Zverev's right foot is wrapped in a special shoe, but the 25-year-old has a smile on his face and stretches his right thumb up.

The message that the Olympic champion announces to his fans is one thing above all: extremely bitter.

"As it looks after the first tests, I tore several lateral ligaments in my right foot," writes Zverev on Instagram.

However, the diagnosis is not yet final.

Further tests would be carried out in Germany in the coming week.

The 25-year-old twisted his ankle in the second set of the semi-finals of the French Open against clay court king Rafael Nadal and had to give up the high-class game due to the injury.

"I was very happy about all the nice messages and get well wishes you sent me from all over the world," Zverev continues.

"This support means a lot to me in such a difficult moment!"

Thomalla emotional after Zverev's injury: "My heart shattered into a thousand pieces"

Update from June 4th, 2:26 p.m .:

The tragic events at the French Open also concern Zverev's girlfriend Sophia Thomalla.

"My heart shattered into a thousand pieces when I saw the accident," the 32-year-old wrote on Instagram and continued: "Sport can be so incredibly cruel." Unlike many other appearances by her boyfriend, Thomalla was not at the time of the injury in Paris.

Injury to Alexander Zverev: Nadal and Co. send recovery wishes

Update from June 4, 10:36 a.m .:

After his serious injury, numerous greats in the tennis world sent recovery wishes to Alexander Zverev.

"I hope it's not too bad," said semi-final opponent Rafael Nadal, who could celebrate his 22nd Grand Slam title in tomorrow's final against the Norwegian Casper Ruud.

The Spaniard openly admitted how difficult it was for him in the match: "He played fantastic at the beginning of the game.

It was a miracle that I won the first set.”

World number one Novak Djokovic also wished Zverev a speedy recovery, and Michael Stich also commented, who remains the only German finalist in Roland Garros since professional tennis was introduced in 1968.

The former Wimbledon winner felt painfully reminded of a similar injury he suffered in Vienna in 1995 by the Zverev drama.

"I had to take a three-and-a-half-month break at the time, had rehabilitation and rehabilitation training," said the 53-year-old on

.

"As it looked, Wimbledon could fail for him," suspected Stich.

"But he's young and I hope he comes back stronger."

Alexander Zverev: German tennis star expects "serious injury"

Update from June 4th, 8.40 a.m .:

Alexander Zverev expects that he suffered a "serious injury" in the dramatic semifinals in Paris.

"It looks like I have a serious injury, but the medical team and the doctors are still checking it out," Zverev said in a video message on Instagram: "I'll keep you all posted."

Zverev said that it was a "fantastic match" for him on the Philippe Chatrier court until the "obviously very difficult moment".

He had to give up hope of his first final in Paris and his second major final ever.

"Of course I want to congratulate Rafa and I hope he can make more history with his 14th title," added Zverev.

Alexander Zverev: Serious injury in the semifinals of the French Open

6:33 p.m .:

What a drama in Paris.

Alexander Zverev's journey at the French Open is abruptly ended by an injury.

It didn't even take a repetition to know immediately that the hamburger had to give up.

When trying to reach an attacking ball from Nadal, Zverev's right ankle could no longer withstand the strain and twisted terribly.

That's sport - with all its good and bad moments.

“Sport gives, sport takes,” sighs Mischa Zverev at Eurosport.

Zverev played an outstanding match until his injury and impressively stood up to clay court king Nadal.

Whether it would have been enough to win - we will never know.

Zverev has been equal so far.

6.20 p.m .:

The match is over!

Rafael Nadal is in the final of the French Open.

Of course, the Spaniard is anything but happy about the outcome of this match - his sad expression is 100 percent for him.

Zverev hobbles back onto the pitch on crutches to officially end the game.

The audience celebrates him, but of course the German cannot be consoled.

In the interview, Nadal once again proves that he is a great sportsman: "I am very sad.

Seeing him cry is a very hard moment for me.

He played an incredible match today and had a lot of bad luck.

I know he really wants to win a Grand Slam.

And he will do it, not once, but many times.

He's one of my biggest challengers on the tour.

It's a shame it had to end like this," he says.

Drama in the French Open semifinals: Zverev twists his ankle and has to give up against Nadal

Pictures that nobody wants to see: Alexander Zverev leaves the seat on the wheelchair.

© ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP

6: 5 Zverev: No!

Please do not.

Zverev twists his ankle and immediately screams in pain!

Brother Mischa is immediately sure at Eurosport: That's it.

"Sascha never cries," he says.

These pictures are very, very difficult to bear.

Zverev rolls on the floor, tears well up in his eyes.

Helpers rush over and transport the Germans in a wheelchair towards the cabin.

Nadal also changes sides immediately and asks fairly about his counterpart.

6: 5 Zverev:

What a game.

Nadal looks a bit fitter again, at the same time the German puts a shovel on it.

With an uncompromising backhand and strong serves, he takes the lead again.

Is the next tiebreak coming up?

5: 5:

The balance!

Nadal has been serving again for what feels like an eternity.

The sentence was actually already gone - but the Spaniard can not be beaten.

Zverev couldn't quite maintain his level, Nadal is getting stronger again.

5:4 Zverev:

That can't be true.

There's little more denying that Nadal is a bit floored.

The decisive steps are often missing, Zverev actually only has to send him back and forth.

But he doesn't succeed!

Two double faults and a shaky arm ensure the next break.

Ouch, the nerves!

5: 3 Zverev:

Next break!

The roles have completely switched.

Nadal has changed his tactics and takes a lot more risks and quick points.

But that's not paying off at the moment because Zverev shows that he's also a good defender.

Now Sascha Zverev is serving the sentence!

4: 3 Zverev:

Lob, stop, volley - Nadal sends Zverev into the carousel and shows his class.

The Spaniard is back and breaks again.

However, Zverev contributes a lot with three mistakes without need.

The German misses the chance to pull away in the second set.

4: 2 Zverev:

And the German organizes the next break!

Another endless service game - do the two still want to finish today?

Nadal seems a bit tired in the last two games - again and again he squats down, takes a deep breath.

Has the tournament left its mark on the 36-year-old?

Zverev is currently the better player.

Nadal often tries to shorten the rallies with stops or forehand shots.

Nadal - Zverev: One break chases the next

3:2 Zverev:

There's the lead!

That was hard work from Zverev.

Nadal forces him three times over the debut, then he decides the game with a rich backhand cross, his parade shot.

More than two hours have already been played and we're only in the second set - that can still take a while.

2: 2:

The next rebreak!

The premium seems to be more of a disadvantage at the moment.

Nadal is weak and makes some pretty easy mistakes.

Everything back in order.

Now Zverev finally wants to get his serve through again - he usually has few problems with that.

1: 2 Nadal:

The German number one quickly falls behind, Nadal has break chances again - and the Spaniard uses the second after a never-ending rally!

Zverev's backhand just rushes out, again an advantage for Nadal.

1: 1:

Zverev can't be dumped - and that's so important in this phase!

The German gets the rebreak directly and stays tuned despite the disappointing loss of a set.

He immediately punishes a few lack of concentration by Nadal.

0: 1 Nadal:

It starts very badly for Zverev!

Nadal continues undeterred where he left off.

He sends Zverev into the carousel several times and finally secures the break - to zero, mind you.

The second sentence begins, this time Zverev serves first.

First set goes to Nadal: Spaniard wins crazy tie-break thriller

Tiebreak - 8:10 Nadal: The sentence belongs to Rafael Nadal!

Zverev shakes his head because there was more in the decisive rally.

Actually, the German worked out the possibility of an easy winner, but then decided on the wrong corner.

Nadal speculates correctly and counters ice cold.

Tie break - 8: 8:

Zverev remains strong!

Man, is that a tiebreak.

The two get it right.

Tiebreak - 7: 8 Nadal:

Zverev broke the Spaniard's series, but then made a backhand error.

Second set ball for Nadal.

Tiebreak - 6:7 Nadal:

The fifth point in a row for Nadal.

And what a!

The Spaniard throws the forehand longline right into the corner.

Zverev can't really blame himself for that.

This is too strong!

Tiebreak - 6: 6:

That doesn't exist!

The fourth set ball is also history.

Nadal reaches a level by the end of the set where no opponent in the world could match.

The momentum is clearly on his side now.

Tiebreak - 6: 5 Zverev:

Crazy!

Zverev attacks, but Nadal darts the line back and forth.

The Spaniard scrapes a ball out of the corner with the last of his strength and plays an incredible cross ball.

This is just unreal!

Right now Nadal is doing magic!

Tiebreak - 6: 4 Zverev:

The German can do it with a volley - but it lands centimeters wide!

Tie break - 6: 2 Zverev:

Zverev is the first to take the initiative again and has four set balls!

Tie break - 5: 2 Zverev:

Yes!

Zverev can build up enough pressure with his powerful serve and now only needs two points to win the set!

Tiebreak - 3: 2 Zverev:

He doesn't let up!

Quick-witted, the German takes advantage of a small phase of weakness in Nadal and grabs his serve twice.

Tiebreak - 1: 2 Nadal:

Bitter!

Zverev pushes a sure winner out and puts himself a little behind.

Don't let up now, Sascha!

Zverev saves himself against Nadal in the tie-break

6: 6:

Zverev somehow maneuvers into the tie-break!

At 40:30 the nerves of the German suddenly fluttered, but the edge of the net was benevolent and helped him to win his sixth game.

Now it's getting really exciting!

5: 6 Nadal:

The German is stepping on the gas again!

Nadal applauds after a great forehand from Zverev - and then turns the tables, plays two outstanding stops.

Nevertheless, Zverev secures a breakball with a backhand cross, which he, like the second, cannot use a little later.

Nadal doesn't offer more and takes the lead again.

Does the first set already go into the tie-break?

Before that, Zverev still has to serve his serve.

5:5:

What a nail-biter!

The first serve doesn't really want to come to Zverev anymore.

The game is hard-fought and goes several times over debut.

Zverev fends off three set balls and stays in the game despite two double faults!

4:5 Nadal:

The tide is turning!

The initial security at Zverev has evaporated.

Some of his shots end up wide, at the same time Nadal serves well - and suddenly the Spaniard leads for the first time.

Nadal turns the tables

4: 4:

Nadal breaks!

Again it hits the left and right of the Spaniard.

But on the forehand of the German, the first mistakes are now creeping in.

Nadal defends cleverly and fights his first two breakballs.

Because Zverev misses a supposedly simple forehand and then a backhand, the Spaniard uses the second opportunity to break and is back in the game.

4: 3 Zverev:

Nadal stays tuned and shows great feeling for the ball.

The Spaniard is also slowly approaching his top level.

That can be fun!

4: 2 Zverev:

Awesome, Zverev sinks one winner after the other!

The game lasted less than three minutes, Nadal has no chance.

Sascha, save a few punches for later!

Because the match is still long.

3: 2 Zverev:

Nadal now comes in better with his own serve.

He serves an ace and can keep the pressure up.

But he's behind with a break.

Zverev gets off to a good start

3: 1 Zverev:

The German even feels comfortable on the net.

That's not always like that.

With Zverev's serve, Nadal is not yet able to get on the offensive himself because his opponent is playing too powerfully.

2: 1 Zverev:

Now Nadal also grabs his first game win, that was important for him.

The legend clenches his fist.

2: 0 Zverev:

Even with his own service, Zverev dominates the game and thus confirms his good start.

The German's backhand in particular runs very smoothly.

1: 0 Zverev:

The German manages the break directly!

What a strong start.

Zverev doesn't seem to need any adjustment time, he already feels the ball very well.

With long groundstrokes, he forces the Spaniard on the defensive and grabs the first game.

It can go on like this!

3:07 p.m .: The match begins!

Who will advance to the final of the French Open today?

Alexander Zverev challenges Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard serves first.

Here we go!

Update, 2:56 p.m .:

Rafael Nadal enters the square first, the noise with him is of course a little louder than with Alexander Zverev.

The audience today will also be more on the side of the Spaniard.

But the German can handle that well, as he has proven in the past.

The countdown is running!

Update, 2:52 p.m .:

Anyone who watches tennis regularly knows the procedure: As usual, the start of the game is delayed.

The players are about to enter Center Court.

Update from June 3, 12:09 p.m .:

In less than three hours, the semi-finals should start here in Paris!

We are excited to see what Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal will conjure up on the sand.

Zverev - Nadal in the live ticker today: Countdown to the giant semi-finals at the French Open

First report from June 3, 10:14 a.m .:

Paris – Not many expected Alexander Zverev at this year’s French Open – the season of the German number one has been mixed so far.

But at the latest after the quarter-final victory against the exceptional Spanish talent Carlos Alcaraz, who gave him a good slap in the final in Madrid (6: 1, 6: 3), "Sascha" Zverev is one of the absolute top favorites for the title.

One problem: Rafael Nadal is waiting in the semifinals.

French Open: Zverev - Nadal in the live ticker - who will make it to the final?

Quite a few already see Nadal's legitimate successor in Alcaraz.

But the old master is far from thinking about leaving the field to his compatriot.

The Grand Slam record winner wants to win his 14th (!) title at the French Open.

As soon as he steps onto the clay court in Paris, he is celebrated like a demigod.

Although his rare foot disease plagues him in almost every game, he once again fought his way to the semifinals with his inimitable spirit and beat number one in the world, Serbian Novak Djokovic, in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals he now meets Zverev.

French Open in the live ticker: Zverev can become number one in the world with the title

The German is two victories away from making history in Paris and becoming the first German ever to win Roland Garros in the Open Era (since 1968) - and thereby jump to the top of the world rankings.

A historic opportunity that he is aware of.

"Winning a Grand Slam is the ultimate goal," says Zverev.

In the second men's semi-final, the Norwegian Casper Ruud and the Croatian Marin Cilic face each other.

The women's final will be contested by 18-year-old Coco Gauff (USA) and world number one Iga Swiatek (Poland).