Alexander Zverev underwent surgery on torn ligaments in the ankle

Alexander Zverev underwent surgery on torn ligaments in the ankle

After being forced to withdraw from his French Open semi-final against 22-time major winner Rafa Nadal last week, German world number three Alexander Zverev had surgery on ruptured ligaments in his right ankle on Tuesday.

When Zverev twisted his ankle and shouted in pain against Nadal, he was down 7-6(8) 6-6. The 25-year-old was vying for his first Grand Slam trophy, and if he won, he would have surpassed Roger Federer as the world number one.

“I’ll attain a career-high ranking of number two in the world next week, but I had to have surgery this morning,” Zverev said on Instagram beside a portrait of himself in a hospital bed.

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“We obtained confirmation that all three of the lateral ligaments in my right ankle were damaged after additional evaluation in Germany.

“Surgery was the greatest option for returning to competition as soon as possible, ensuring that all ligaments heal correctly, and regaining complete ankle stability.” My recovery begins right now, and I’ll do all in my power to return stronger than before!”

According to his brother Mischa, Wimbledon is “out of the question” for Zverev. The latter told the German daily Bild that the grasscourt major would be contested from June 27 to July 10.