Boris Becker sent a supportive message to compatriot Alexander Zverev following his gruesome ankle injury at the French Open. The world number three was involved in a gruelling semi-final tussle with Rafael Nadal, when he turned his ankle while running for a shot towards the end of the second set and was left writhing in agony on the ground.
With the score locked at 6-6 after the Spaniard edged the first set on a tie-break, the 25-year-old was not able to continue in heartbreaking scenes for the German. It represented Zverev's best chance of winning his first Grand Slam, but it wasn't meant to be.
But despite being behind bars, Becker had been keeping track of proceedings and contacted his compatriot to lend his support. As reported by German outlet BILD , Zverev's brother Mischa said on Eurosport: "He also received a message from Boris. Boris said he followed what was happening at the tournament and wishes Sascha all the best and a quick and good recovery.”
Zverev was put in a wheelchair before being taken to the locker room and re-emerged on crutches, along with Nadal who had also gone off court. The pair then shared a hug after confirming to the chair umpire the match was over. On Sunday, Zverev took to Instagram and posted a snap next to a plane before leaving Paris, with his ankle in a protective boot while holding a crutch in his left hand.
He then provided an update on his injury, and as many feared, it did not sound promising. “Hey guys! I am now on my way back home. Based on the first medical checks, it looks like I have torn several lateral ligaments in my right foot,” he began. "I will be flying to Germany on Monday to make further examinations and to determine the best and quickest way for me to recover. I want to thank everyone all over the world for the kind messages that I have received since yesterday. Your support means a lot to me right now!
“And many thanks to my friends from @goodwill_private_aviation for taking such good care of me in the given circumstances. I will try to keep you updated as much as possible on further developments. See you next time @rolandgarros!”
Following the unfortunate incident Nadal expressed his sadness after witnessing what happened to his opponent. “Very tough and very sad for him, honestly,” Nadal said.
“He was playing [an] 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 the moment, he was very unlucky. The only thing that I am sure [of] is he [is] gonna win not one, much more than one. So, I wish him all the very best and very fast recovery.”
Nadal went on to win his 14th French Open title, thrashing Casper Ruud in the final 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in what was a truly ruthless performance. The victory ensured he extended his Grand Slam record to 22, two clear of great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
