TOMMY PAUL was forced to retire from the Miami Open after sustaining a freak ankle injury.
The American tennis star, 26, had high hopes of a strong run in Florida after reaching the Indian Wells semi-finals last week.
Tennis TVTommy Paul suffered a nasty rolled ankle at the Miami Open[/caption]
Tennis TVThe American was clearly in severe pain[/caption]
Tennis TVHe clutched his leg but it was clear he could not continue[/caption]
He lost to Daniil Medvedev in the final four, cruising through the first set 6-1 before rolling his ankle during the second set as the Russian mounted a comeback.
And it appears history repeated itself in gutting fashion as Paul sprained his ankle during a point in Miami.
The No13 seed took the opening set 6-4 against compatriot Martin Damm Jr in their second-round match.
But Paul had to pull out early in the second set.
Serving at 1-2, he played a neat sliced backhand to approach the net.
But as Damm flicked up a backhand, Paul tried to step across to make a routine volley.
However, his left ankle buckled horribly and he immediately hopped off court on his right foot, dropping his racket before collapsing to the floor in distressing scenes.
Paul – who is dating glamorous influencer girlfriend Paige Lorenze – clutched his left ankle and managed to get up on to his bench.
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He chatted to the physio but it was clear there was no way he could continue as he hobbled across to shake hands with Damm before they shared an embrace.
Paul’s home crowd in the USA were clearly shocked to witness the injury while fans on social media sent their best wishes.
One said: “Absolutely love this guy what a shame great player speedy recovery.”
Another wrote: “I hate seeing him get hurt! You can tell he’s really in pain.”
A third added: “Sad! Good and speedy recovery, Tommy! Take care!”
And a final user replied: “Get well soon, buddy. This is awful.”
Because Paul got a bye in round one, it means he will not pick up any points from the Miami Open this year.
And he also had to withdraw from the doubles event alongside close pal Frances Tiafoe.
Paul is currently ranked 14th in the world, reaching his career-high No12 at the end of 2023 in the year he reached his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at the Australian Open.
He picked up his second career title in Dallas in February before losing the Delray Beach final to Taylor Fritz later in the same month.
The freak injury comes amid a wave of physical issues for tennis players in Miami.
Arthur Cazaux fainted on court and needed to be taken away in a wheelchair.
Then Matteo Berrettini almost collapsed as he was about to serve during his defeat to Andy Murray.
In Australia, meanwhile, former tennis star Jelena Dokic needed medical treatment after gravel hit her in the eye at qualifying for the Grand Prix.
Tennis TVHe was a set up on Martin Damm Jr when the injury occurred[/caption]
Tennis TVHe hopped off court and dropped his racket[/caption]
Tennis TVPaul shook hands with Damm as he confirmed his retirement[/caption]
EPAThe American also injured his ankle last week against Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells[/caption]
SplashPaul is dating glamorous influencer Paige Lorenzo[/caption]
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