Alexander Zverev Reveals Why His French Open Injury Was ‘The Most Difficult Moment’ of His Career

Alexander Zverev has described his devastating ankle injury at the 2022 French Open as the toughest moment of his professional journey, largely because it robbed him of the chance to become the world’s No. 1 tennis player. The German star tore multiple ankle ligaments during his semi-final match against Rafael Nadal, with the Spanish legend leading 7-6(8), 6-6 when Zverev suffered the injury after slipping near the baseline.

At the time, Zverev, ranked No. 3 in the world, had a rare opportunity to claim the top spot on the ATP Rankings, as both Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev—the then-No. 1 and No. 2 players—had already been eliminated from the tournament. However, Zverev’s injury not only ended his title aspirations but also prematurely concluded his season.

Speaking in a video produced by his racket sponsor Head, the 27-year-old reflected on the emotional and physical toll of the incident, calling it an extremely challenging phase.

He stated, “The 2022 French Open was undoubtedly the most difficult period of my career. I was one match away from becoming the No. 1 player in the world, playing arguably the best tennis of my life against the greatest clay-court player in history, Rafael Nadal.

“Even if I had lost that match, it would have been understandable—after all, it’s Nadal at Roland Garros. Everyone has lost to him there. But knowing I was just one victory away from reaching the top of the rankings made it a bitter pill to swallow.”

Zverev also opened up about the frustration of being immobilized after the injury. “Being in a cast and unable to walk, let alone play tennis or carry out daily activities, was incredibly difficult,” he added.

Despite the setback, Zverev gradually worked his way back into form. Although he ended 2022 ranked No. 12 in the world, his return to competitive tennis in 2023 showed promising signs. He reached the semi-finals of the French Open again that year but lost in straight sets to Casper Ruud.

In 2024, Zverev reached new heights. He ended the year as the world’s No. 2 player, achieving career-best rankings. The German claimed titles at the prestigious Rome and Paris Masters 1000 tournaments and reached the final of Roland Garros once more.

Looking back, Zverev acknowledged the challenges of rebuilding his game after the injury but expressed confidence in his resurgence. “I didn’t believe I could beat Ruud in that 2023 semi-final, but it marked a turning point. Since then, I’ve returned to the top level of my game,” he said.

Zverev’s story is one of perseverance, as he overcame the darkest period of his career to cement his place among the world’s tennis elite. His journey serves as an inspiring testament to determination and the ability to rise above adversity in pursuit of greatness.

Alexander Zverev’s French Open injury nightmare might have delayed his ascent to the top, but it could not halt his remarkable comeback, making him a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world today.