Alexander Zverev was forced to retire from the French Open semifinals because of an injured ankle. 0:33
The second-oldest men's finalist in French Open history is 29-year-old Nadal. Nadal will attempt to become the oldest champion in the history of the tournament.
Playing on his 36th birthday at an event he first won at 19, Nadal emerged to claim a tight-as-can-be, draining first set that took 112 hours to complete. After another 112 hours, the second set was headed to a tiebreak when Zvewitz fell while chasing a ball to his right.
Zverev's black outfit was covered in rust-colored clay and he grabbed his ankle and screamed in pain.
A trainer came out to help him and Nadal walked around the net to check on him.
He was taken off the court in a wheelchair He came back out with crutches and said he had to retire from the match. He hugged Nadal after shaking the chair umpires hand.
It was very sad for him. He was playing really well. On the tour, he's a good colleague. I am aware of how much he is trying to win a Grand Slam. I wish him good luck and he will win more than one Grand Slam.
When he's playing like this, it's one of the biggest challenges to play him. The level is very high. It's hard to say what's going on. It's a dream to be in the final ofRoland Garros, but at the same time it's hard to see him cry.
Nadal has been dealing with chronic pain in his left foot and was coming off a pair of victories that each lasted more than 4 hours, but showed no signs of age, injury or fatigue.
The retractable roof on Court Philippe Chatrier was closed due to the afternoon showers.
After his triumph at the Australian Open in January, Nadal can claim his 22nd Grand Slam title if he wins the French Open.
The two men are tied at twenty.
This is the first time Nadal has won the first two legs of a Grand Slam.
The U.S. Open was won by Cilic.
This report was made using information from Tom Hamilton and The Associated Press.
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