With the French Open 2022 closing last Sunday, there’s been a lot of action to reflect on, celebrate, and admire. From Alexander Zverev’s tumble to Rafa Nadal’s 22nd major title, the past two weeks were nothing short of eventful.
Sascha Zverev’s Fall
In his semi-final match against Rafael Nadal, Alexander ‘Sascha’ Zverev suffered a severe injury, forcing him to retire. While leaping to the ball to break Rafa’s serve, Sascha rolled his ankle and fell to the clay in agony. Screaming and crying like never seen before on a tennis court, Sascha rolled over multiple times on the court, unable to get himself to stand up or move. Later assisted by several escorts, Zverev finally stood up and hopped onto a wheelchair to be taken off the court for further examination. Zverev then returned to the court on crutches to formally retire and wave bye to the crowd to receive a standing ovation. It is believed that Sascha was the better player in the three-hour match where not even two sets had been completed.
Hours later, the German shared a video on his Instagram thanking everyone for the support and saying he would be returning to Germany for treatment. Furthermore, he posted an update via social media the following day saying several lateral ligaments had been torn in his ankle; this is expected to keep him out for the rest of the season. An unfortunate end to an epic match!
Rafael Nadal wins 14th Roland Garros Title and record-extending 22nd Major.
Rafael Nadal, on Sunday, won his 22nd Grand Slam title and 14th Roland Garros title, beating breakout star Casper Ruud in straight sets (6-3, 6-3, 6-0), who defeated breakout star 19-year-old Holger Rune in the semis en route to the final. Not only did he break his own world record of 21 majors, but he also equalled Pete Sampras’ all-time major record JUST at the French Open. He is now the only man with 22 major titles in the Open Era (Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic are both tied at 20). Furthermore, he became the oldest Roland Garros Champion in history. However, Nadal is suffering from a chronic foot injury which he revealed could be career-threatening. He said in his post-match speech that he doesn’t know which match could be his last, but he will keep trying. Having pulled out of Wimbledon to take care of his foot, we will have to wait out the grass season to watch him play tennis again.
Iga Swiatek claims 2nd Roland Garros Title.
On Saturday, the 21-year Polish won over a spirited Coco Gauff (6-1, 6-3) in the Women’s Singles Final to claim her second French Open and Major Title. Iga didn’t just win in her first major as the world no 1, but dominated, extending her winning streak to 35, equalling the all-time record previously held by Venus Williams alone (Serena Williams’ longest streak is at 34). She is also the first Polish woman to win a major and have the No. 1 spot and was thrilled to see football great Robert Lewandoski cheering her on in the crowd. Crying after the victory, she delivered a heartwarming speech about her persistence and hard work. Moreover, she congratulated and thanked both Coco’s and her own team, saying this wouldn’t have been possible without them. It is no secret that the women’s tennis game is finally looking up; in fact, the 2020 and 2022 Roland Garros Champion is only getting started.
There’s so much to look forward to with the grass season around the corner, for it’ll be a year until the clay season and French Open returns!
