Tennis player Zverev discusses his mental health struggles, attributing them to a prolonged period of minor fatigue or burnout. - Tennis Star Zverev Discusses Mental Struggles: "Experienced a Long-Term Burnout"
Alexander Zverev, the current world number three tennis pro, has shared his emotional struggles this year, including months of burnout, lack of motivation, and disinterest in training. The German player, who is eyeing a title at the upcoming US Open on August 24, believes he will be back to contending for titles after addressing his mental health issues.
Zverev's mental health challenges stem from a combination of personal difficulties, media scrutiny, and pressures both inside and outside of tennis. These have caused him deep emotional exhaustion and a lack of joy in daily life. Since the 2025 Australian Open, he has spoken candidly about feeling "very, very alone," experiencing emptiness, and struggling to find motivation, even considering therapy for the first time in his career.
The effects have been significant on his performance and wellbeing. Zverev suffered a first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025, his earliest Grand Slam loss since 2019, which reflects how his mental state impacted his game. He described his mental state as a "hole" he keeps falling into and mentioned lacking any motivation for the next day.
Regarding his recovery plan, Zverev has expressed openness to seeking therapy—a new step for him—after previously not considering it necessary. Support from peers like Aryna Sabalenka, who advocates for therapy and open communication, and advice from players like Andrey Rublev suggest that dialogue and professional help are vital parts of his potential recovery. Sabalenka emphasizes the importance of talking honestly with his support team, who accept and help work through struggles without judgment.
In a podcast, Zverev expressed that he may not play his best tennis in Canada or Cincinnati before the US Open, but he is optimistic about his chances in the fourth Grand Slam tournament of the year. His next tournaments before the US Open may not see him playing his best tennis, but he remains hopeful.
Zverev is currently participating in the ATP tournament in Toronto, where he will face Francisco Cerundolo from Argentina in the quarterfinals, scheduled for the early hours of Sunday. Zverev continues to seek support from Rafael Nadal in his pursuit of a Grand Slam title. The German player believes that he can win a Grand Slam, but only if he plays more boldly.
Despite Toni Nadal's schedule potentially not allowing him to be present frequently with Zverev this year, the German player has been training at Rafael Nadal's academy on Mallorca. Zverev is also reportedly negotiating a potential partnership with the Nadals.
References:
- Tennis World USA
- Sportskeeda
- ESPN
- BBC Sport
- The Commission, in light of Alexander Zverev's mental health struggles and their impacts on his performance, might propose a directive on the protection of workers in sports from the risks related to mental health issues, drawing from science and health-and-wellness research.
- Considering his openness to therapy and discussions with fellow athletes like Aryna Sabalenka, Zverev's recovery plan might also involve strengthening his mental health to improve his performance on the court, particularly in tennis, a sport known for its psychological demands.
- Following his candid conversations about mental health, science may play a crucial role in conducting further research to understand the psychological challenges faced by professional tennis players like Alexander Zverev and suggest effective strategies for maintaining mental health and wellness in the face of intense competition and media scrutiny.
