Rafael Nadal Becomes the Second-Oldest Men's Finalist in French Open

Rafael Nadal is the second oldest male finalist in French Open history after his semi-final opponent Alexander Zverev stopped playing on Friday due to a right leg injury. Nadal aims to be the oldest champion in a tournament that he has already won 13 times.

Playing on his 36th birthday in a match he won for the first time at 19, Nadal emerged to claim a tight chance, beating the hour-and-a-half first set with a score of 7-6 (8). The second set was also headed for a tiebreak in an hour and a half when Zverev fell behind the bottom line while chasing a ball to his right.

Zverev was taken to the field in a wheelchair after suffering an injury. A few minutes later, he came back with crutches and said he had to take a break. He shook the referee's hand and then hugged Nadal.

Along with bidding for the 14th French Open title, Nadal could claim his 22nd Grand Slam title to add to the men's record he already holds following his victory at the Australian Open in January.

The same thing is at stake for Nadal in Sunday's final against Norway's Casper Ruud or Croatia's No. 20 Marin Cilic. It will be the first time the Spaniard has won his opening two sets Grand Slam.