Nadal to play Roland Garros final after epic battle with Zverev 

Tennis legend Rafa Nadal is inching closer to his historic 14th French Open title at Roland Garros. The Spaniard overcame a tough four-set quarterfinal battle to defeat top rival Novak Djokovic and has now secured a place in the final after Alexander Zverev's injured his ankle during a thrilling second set of the semifinals.

Nadal, who is celebrating his 36th birthday, has a sensational record at Roland Garros, specifically in finals. The Mallorcan is still on course for his record 14th title in Paris after Zverev retired injured in a cruel scene after twisting his ankle while reaching for a ball at the back of the court.

🤯 @RafaelNadal with the perfect angle! 📐

Check out our Shot of the Day by @oppo#RolandGarros | #InspirationAhead pic.twitter.com/ypY1YNdaU1

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2022

In a physically exhausting match that had lasted more than three hours, Zverev sprained his right ankle while trying to retrieve a Nadal smash in the 12th game of the second set. The 25-year-old German fell to the ground, and his cries of pain could be heard throughout Court Philippe-Chatrier. The world’s No. 3 had to be helped to his feet and left the court in a wheelchair, where he received medical assistance backstage. About five minutes later, he returned to the court on crutches to shake hands with the umpire, and confirmed that the match was officially over.

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— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2022

It was a heart-stopping match. The first set, which Nadal won in the tie-break, lasted an incredible 98 minutes. Rafa saved four set points and took the lead in the first set, a titanic battle defined in a tie-break.

"It was very hard, very sad for him. He had an incredible tournament. He's a very good partner on the Tour. I know how hard he's fighting to win a Grand Slam, but at the moment he's been very unlucky. I'm sure he won't win one, but more. I wish him all the luck and a speedy recovery. It was a super tough match, over three hours, and we didn't finish the second set. He is one of the biggest challenges on Tour when he plays at this high level," Nadal said after the match.

"It's a very tough moment"#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/KpCQJqigEI

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2022

Rafa Nadal has only been defeated in three matches at Roland Garros throughout his career, having appeared 17 times at the tournament. His exit in 2016 was counted as an official defeat because he withdrew before the third round due to injury. However, the Spanish icon has never lost in the final and will be eager to bow out with that record intact against the winner of the other duel between Marin Cilic and Casper Ruud.