I was 45 points away from the world No. 1 spot," Zverev reflects on his serious injury during the 2022 Roland-Garros semifinal
A guest on the *Nothing Major* podcast, Alexander Zverev discussed various topics, from his career to the ATP tour.
The world No. 3, still competing in Toronto, notably revisited his infamous ankle injury during the 2022 Roland-Garros semifinal against Rafael Nadal. An epic match that ended prematurely after the German's fall, just as the second set was heading to a tie-break.
"Everyone keeps saying I would have won that match. But he was leading by a set when it happened (his injury). Of course, it was an incredible match. I was playing some of the best tennis of my life. If I lose that match, so be it—millions of people have lost to Rafa on clay.
But what many don’t know is that I was 45 points away from the world No. 1 ranking. I just needed to win one match, in any tournament, to become No. 1. That’s what hurt the most, because I was playing my best tennis.
In 2021, I won six titles, including the Olympic gold medal, the ATP Finals, and two Masters 1000s. I started 2022 strong, reaching the semifinals in Monte-Carlo, the final in Madrid, then the semis in Rome and Roland-Garros. Then came the ankle injury.
Beyond all that, I also felt I was in the best possible position to win a Grand Slam, whether at Wimbledon or the US Open.
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