Rafael Nadal advanced into the final of Roland Garros on friday as opponent Alexander Zverev rolled his ankle late in the second set and went down screaming in pain.
Nadal, who turned 36 on the day, reluctantly advanced 7-6(8), 6-6 when the German, tears in his eyes, was helped off the clay in a wheelchair.
The slow-moving contest was on track for a possible longevity record with the first set, lasting just over three hours at the tie of the injury incident.
Immediately after Zverev went down, a concerned Nadal rushed over the the other side of the net to try and comfort his opponent.
The Spaniard, with 13 titles at the event, improved to 14-1 in Paris quarter-finals.
After five minutes of off court treatment, Zverev returned to the court on crutches, with the match officially called off.
Main photo:- Alexander Zverev writhes in agony after rolling his ankle and was forced to retire – by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
