World number two Alexander Zverev has withdrawn from the US Open while recovering from surgery. The German underwent surgery after tearing all three lateral ligaments in his right ankle during the Roland Garros semi-finals against Rafael Nadal.

The 25-year-old reached his only major final at Flushing Meadows two years ago, when he lost to Austrian Dominic Thiem, and will not return to New York for the final Grand Slam of 2022.

Zverev had stated after his operation that surgery was “the best option” to ensure his ligaments healed properly and he could return to competition “as quickly as possible”.

“Alexander Zverev has withdrawn from the US Open. Get well soon Alex!” posted the US Open Twitter account. His absence in the competition would make the Teuton lose 720 points in the ATP ranking.

The US Open starts next Monday and there are still doubts about Novak Djokovic’s ability to play due to the 21-time Grand Slam champion opting out of a coronavirus vaccine.

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