How injury cost Alexander Zverev unique chance of becoming world no. 1 and how he can still do it

| by Drew Tate

Alexander Zverev severely injured his ankle at Roland Garros in a spectacular match against Rafael Nadal and it potentially cost him the number one ranking.

Zverev played one of the best Grand Slam events he ever played at the 2022 Roland Garros but it was unfortunately cut short due to a terrible ankle injury. The German was engaged in a heated battle with Nadal when it happened. Unable to walk off, Zverev was carted off the court and since then he's been rehabbing the ankle.

A short update was posted on social media a few days ago with Zverev able to walk on his own albeit with a stabilizer on the ankle. The German was hitting his peak form at a crucial part of the season when the injury happened and it possibly cost him the number one ranking. Sasha is currently ranked 2nd behind Daniil Medvedev who has a lot of points to defend in the upcoming weeks.

Montreal tournament director casts doubt over Novak Djokovic's participation
Montreal tournament director casts doubt over Novak Djokovic's participation

The German could technically still overtake Medvedev as the number one but he would need the Russian completely bombing this next part of the season where he was so strong last year. There is also the caveat of his still not practising and unsure when he will return.

If Alexander Zverev would be able to compete at the ATP 1000 event in Montreal, he would have a great chance to become world number 1 if he reached same or better result than his Russian opponent. Yet, he can still become no. 1, if Medvedev doesn't earn more than 135 points in the upcoming five weeks.

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