PARIS - Rafael Nadal progressed into the French Open final for a record-extending 14th time on Friday after Alexander Zverev retired over an ankle injury when trailing by 7-6 (8), 6-6 in their semifinal clash.

Third-seeded Zverev was trying to save the ball in Game 12 of the second set when he fell down, screaming in pain.

The tearful German had to leave the court in a wheelchair and after a few minutes, he came back with a pair of crutches to announce his retirement.

Next for Nadal in the final will be either Croatian veteran Marin Cilic or Norway's young gun Casper Ruud.