World No. 3 Zverev undergoes surgery on torn ligaments in ankle

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - World No. 3 Alexander Zverev underwent surgery on torn ankle ligaments, he confirmed on Tuesday.

"We all have our own journey in life. This is part of mine. Next week I’ll reach a career high ranking of number 2 in the world, but this morning I had to undergo surgery," Zverev said on Instagram.

"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!" he added.

Zverev fell to the ground screaming from pain in the second set tiebreak at 7-6, 6-6 and was taken off the court in a wheelchair. He returned to the court on crutches and waved to the fans before leaving in tears.

The 25-year-old German clinched a gold medal in the men's singles at the Tokyo Olympics last year.