World number three Alexander Zverev has announced that he has undergone surgery on the torn ankle ligaments he sustained during his French Open semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal earlier this month.
Zverev and Nadal were playing out a thriller at Roland Garros, with the German 6-7 6-6 down before rolling his ankle when attempting to return a shot from the 14-time champion.
Zverev went down screaming in agony and had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair, signalling his retirement from the contest as Nadal advanced to the final.
The 25-year-old announced on Instagram on Tuesday night that he had gone under the knife to treat his severe ankle injury, and he will sit out this year's Wimbledon while he recovers.
"We all have our own journey in life. This is part of mine. Next week I'll reach a career high ranking of number 2 in the world, but this morning I had to undergo surgery," Zverev wrote.
"After further examination in Germany, we received confirmation that all three of the lateral ligaments in my right ankle were torn. To return to competition as quickly as possible, to ensure all the ligaments heal properly, and to reclaim full stability in my ankle, surgery was the best choice.
"My rehab starts now and I'll do everything to come back stronger than ever. I am continuing to receive so many messages and would like to thank everyone once again for supporting me during such a difficult time ❤️".
Zverev posted a picture from his hospital bed as well as an accompanying video, during which he added: "Hi guys. Hopefully my surgery went well. It's going to be a road back but hopefully I'll see you guys on the court soon.
"I'm looking forward to being back, I miss tennis already and I miss the fans already. We'll see how long it takes me but I'm excited about it."
Zverev would have moved to the top of the ATP rankings for the first time with victory at Roland Garros, where Nadal ultimately won his 22nd Grand Slam by defeating Casper Ruud in straight sets.
The German has reached the fourth round of Wimbledon twice in 2017 and 2021, but the grass tournament is "out of the question" for Zverev, according to his brother and fellow player Mischa Zverev.
Ben Knapton
