Alexander Zverev has been the NextGen leader since 2017, becoming the first youngster in years capable of battling the top rivals. Alexander had been ranked in the top 10 since late July of that year, completing five years and three months in the elite company.
A few weeks ago, Zverev became the 18th player since 1973 to rack up 250 consecutive weeks in the top 10, but his journey was soon to come to an end. The German left the top 10 on Monday after 253 weeks, not playing since Roland Garros and missing a chance to embrace his sixth straight season in the top 10 at the end of the year.
Alexander started the 2022 season ranked 3rd and had a realistic chance of becoming world number 1 at some point.
Alexander Zverev has not played since Roland Garros.
Zverev broke into the top 2 for the first time in June, but a serious ankle injury in the Roland Garros semi-finals destroyed his further progress.
Alexander tore three of his lateral ligaments in the Roland Garros semi-final clash against Rafael Nadal. He gave it his all against the king of clay and kept him on the court for three hours before the end of the second set!
Zverev took a bad step on slow clay in the final point of the 12th game of the second set and injured his ankle, falling to the ground and screaming in pain. He left the court in a wheelchair before returning a few minutes later on crutches, then announcing his retirement.
Alexander and his team carried out additional checks and decided to have him operated. After a difficult few months, Zverev is back on the training ground and is expected to play again in December.
Alexander’s retirement to Rafa was the first of his career, doing everything right for more than three hours before that terrible setback. Zverev took the lead in the first set before Nadal came back strong in game eight.
The Spaniard fended off four set points in the tie-break and won five straight points after trailing 6-2. After more suspense, Rafa stole the break 10-8 and won the first set after a grueling 91 minutes!
Zverev broke four in a row in the second set and took a 5-3 lead before failing to serve for the set. Nadal remained in contention and qualified after the 12th game as his rival was unable to continue due to severe pain in his right ankle.
