Alexander Zverev Wimbledon hopes in tatters as would-be top seed undergoes ankle surgery
- Michael Graham
- 8 June 2022
The injury he suffered against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros has stripped Alexander Zverev of a chance of winning Wimbledon this summer.
Alexander Zverev has confirmed he will miss Wimbledon after he underwent ankle surgery following his injury at the French Open.
Zverev sustained the injury in the semi-final against eventual winner Rafael Nadal, with him rolling his ankle badly whilst chasing down a backhand down the line.
He immediately began screaming in pain before being taken off the court on a wheelchair. Shortly afterwards, he returned on crutches to formally concede the match.
It comes at a heartbreaking time for Zverev, who will reach a career high world ranking of number two in the world next week.
With Daniil Medvedev banned from playing Wimbledon due to the conflict in Ukraine, that would have seen Zverev be the top seed at a Grand Slam for the first time.
However, he will now be targeting a return later in the year, with the US Open at the end of August a likely target.
"We all have our own journey in life," Zverev wrote on Instagram. "This is part of mine.
"Next week I'll reach a career high ranking of number two in the world, but this morning I had to undergo surgery.
"After further examination in Germany, we received confirmation that all three of the lateral ligaments in my right ankle were torn.
"To return to competition as quickly as possible, to ensure all the ligaments heal properly, and to reclaim full stability in my ankle, surgery was the best choice.
"My rehab starts now and I'll do everything to come back stronger than ever!
"I am continuing to receive so many messages and would like to thank everyone once again for supporting me during such a difficult time."
Former player and coach and now top analyst for the tennis channel Paul Annacone offered a prediction of a possible timescale for Alexander Zverev.
"I think we're going to see him this fall playing," he said.
"I think he will be back on the tour playing this fall and he'll be ready to go."
