Nadal advanced to a 14th French Open final with Zverev’s injury retirement on Friday, and will now face Casper Ruud for a record-extending 14th title in Paris and 22nd overall Grand Slam. And the Spaniard has been told that the early end to his semi-final has “saved him” ahead of the championship match.
Both sets had surpassed the 90 minute mark, despite the second set being cut short when Zverev injured his ankle, and three-time former champion Mats Wilander admitted that the 13-time former champion was lucky to have the match end early so he wasn’t tired for the final or bothered by his opponent’s game.
“This is very special that Rafa has reached the final yet again. The first two sets today were insane, the tennis was unbelievable,” he told Eurosport. “I think it’s put in the shadow because of the injury, but I have to say I think he got a bit lucky that it ended before the five or six hour mark because he looked a little worn, mostly because of Sascha’s game and tactics, I have to say.”
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