Alexander Zverev feels fit again. Ahead of the start of the tournament in New York, the German number one also talks about his mental problems.
German tennis star Alexander Zverev is confident that he has overcome his physical problems in time for the start of the US Open. “I feel good. I had a good week of training and I think everyone is ready to get started,” said the Tokyo Olympic champion on Friday ahead of the start of the last Grand Slam tournament of the year in New York.
The 28-year-old is chasing his first Grand Slam title in New York, having shown improving form in Toronto and Cincinnati (both semi-finals) recently – but also revealing physical deficiencies in the hot temperatures, which manifested themselves in breathing and circulation problems.
“I don’t know exactly what I had. I had a blood test and the results were okay. I think I took too many painkillers and that made me feel bad. I’ve had back pain in the last few weeks. But I can’t say exactly what it was,” said Zverev, who will face Chilean outsider Alejandro Tabilo in the first round, explaining the reasons for his problems.
Overall, he said he was satisfied with his performances at the 1000-series tournaments in Canada and Ohio. They were “two positive tournaments,” he said, “my level improved with every match – until I wasn’t quite fit in the semifinals against Carlos (Alcaraz, editor’s note). But overall it was positive, and I’m looking forward to the US Open.”
Zverev also spoke about the professional help he sought after his first-round exit at Wimbledon and with whom he continues to work. “I just feel fresher now. I think the time after Wimbledon did me good. I’m not happy that I lost in the first round, but I’m happy about the time after that. Losing in the first round gave me an extra week to find myself,“ said Zverev.
He ”enjoys being back on the court,” added the German number one. “When I enjoy tennis, you can see it in my game. When I’m calm, it’s usually not a good sign. Now it feels like things are moving in the right direction again.” He said he was in a “process that won’t be completed in a week or two. You work on it for years – and also on the past years of your life. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
