Rafael Nadal is once again in the Roland-Garros final. This time it was under unfortunate circumstances.

On Friday, Rafael Nadal was looking to reach the Roland-Garros final for the 14th time in his illustrious career. Nadal faced third-ranked Alexander Zverev in what was to be an epic match. The two players had met nine times before, with the Spaniard winning six. Obviously, beating Nadal at Roland-Garros is a whole different animal.

But as the match played out, it appeared that Zverev was in for it. He forced the first set to the tie-break. Nadal will end up winning the first set of the tie-break, 10-8. It took incredible play to win it though.

HOW? ‘OR’ WHAT. JUST. HOW 🤯@Rafael Nadal #Roland Garros pic.twitter.com/98a4Ueo09n

– Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 3, 2022

That didn’t shake Zverev, however. He kept fighting and the second set also went to a tie-break. But that’s where the game ended.

During the tie-break, Zverev was chasing a forehand from Nadal. He rolled his ankle badly and immediately fell to the ground. Fans at Roland Garros could hear the screams as he writhed in pain. Zverez would be helped in the locker room. Shortly after, he returned on crutches and was forced to retire from the match.

Following an injury, Alexander Zverev returned to the pitch for a standing ovation and a special hug with Rafael Nadal. #Roland Garros pic.twitter.com/3VPqOAD31x

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) June 3, 2022

Zverez returned to a standing ovation from the French Open crowd. He shook hands with the chair umpire and then hugged Nadal.

Nadal will now face semi-final winner Marin Cilic-Casper Ruud. Cilic has the advantage of experience but whoever wins this game will definitely be a huge underdog against Nadal.

The all-time great is on the hunt for his record 14th French Open championship and 22nd Grand Slam title. That would push him twice above Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer for most of all time.