After a grueling five-set battle on Centre Court, Alexander Zverev faced the press with a vulnerability rarely seen in elite sport. The world number three had just suffered a shock first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025, falling to France’s Arthur Rinderknech in a match that stretched over four hours and two days. But it wasn’t just the loss that weighed heavily on him—it was something deeper.
“I feel very alone out there at times,” Zverev admitted, his voice subdued. “I struggle mentally. I’ve been saying that since after the Australian Open.” His runner-up finish to Jannik Sinner in Melbourne earlier this year marked a career high, but it also seems to have triggered a personal low. Since then, Zverev has described feeling “empty” and “lacking joy,” not just in tennis but in life.
Despite recent wins in Stuttgart and Halle, the German star confessed that the victories didn’t bring the happiness they once did. “Even when I’m winning, it’s not the same feeling. It’s just not there right now for me,” he said. The emotional toll of constant travel, media scrutiny, and unresolved personal challenges appears to have caught up with him.
Zverev’s openness has sparked conversations across the tennis world, with fellow players like Aryna Sabalenka encouraging him to seek support from family and professionals. “It’s really important to be open and talk about whatever you’re experiencing,” she said in her own press conference.
As Zverev contemplates therapy for the first time in his life, his candid remarks serve as a reminder that even the most successful athletes are not immune to emotional hardship. His journey forward may not be measured in match wins alone, but in rediscovering the joy that once fueled his passion for the game.
Alexander Zverev in 2025
Now ranked no.3, Alexander played his last match on the 1st of January 1970 when he lost to world no.72 Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(3) 6-7(8) 6-3 6-7(5) 6-4 in the 1st round in Wimbledon (draw).
At the moment, during this season Alexander has managed to achieve a composed 35-14 record. The German conquered 1 title in Munich. Alexander was the finalist at the Australian Open and Stuttgart.