Alexander Zverev faced a tough challenge at the Hamburg Open, not just from his opponent but from his own health. The world number three entered the tournament hoping to gain momentum ahead of the French Open, but his second-round match against Alexandre Muller turned into a battle against sickness.
Despite feeling unwell, Zverev took to the court, determined to compete in his hometown event. He fought hard, pushing the match to a deciding set, but ultimately fell short, losing 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (5). His performance was remarkable considering the circumstances. He later revealed that he had been severely ill, experiencing extreme nausea and a high fever throughout the night before the match.
Zverev acknowledged the difficulty of playing under such conditions but expressed pride in his determination. He noted that very few players would have chosen to compete in his situation, emphasizing his commitment to the sport and his resilience. His opponent, Muller, capitalized on Zverev’s weakened state, extending rallies and forcing the German to exert himself further.
Zverev commented:
“For the fact that I threw up 37 times and had a fever of 39.4 degrees all night, that’s actually quite okay. I think there are two players in the whole world who would have taken to the court today. I’m one of them. And I’m really proud of that.”
He also added: “I was two points away from winning the match. There’s a lot to be said in my favour.”
Although the loss was disappointing, Zverev remained optimistic about his preparations for the upcoming Grand Slam. He viewed the extra recovery time as an opportunity to regain his strength and focus on his goal of performing well in Paris. His determination and perseverance continue to define his approach to the game, making him a formidable competitor despite setbacks
Alexander Zverev in 2025
Currently ranked no.3, Alexander played his last match on the 21st of May when he capitulated to world no.40 Alexandre Muller 6-3 4-6 7-6(5) in the 2nd round in Hamburg (draw).
Currently, during this season the German has achieved a 25-10 record. Zverev conquered 1 title in Munich. Alexander reached the final at the Australian Open.
Zverev has scheduled to compete next at the French Open (French Open). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 25th of May.
