Following a period of introspection and professional help, Alexander Zverev, the world number three, believes he is "on the right path" as he heads into the US Open. After a disappointing first-round exit at Wimbledon, where he openly discussed his mental health struggles, the 28-year-old German took time off to reset and address his concerns.
Zverev's candid admission after his Wimbledon loss to Arthur Rinderknech revealed a deep sense of loneliness and a lack of joy, even in his victories. He expressed feeling "very alone" and "empty," acknowledging that these feelings had been present since the Australian Open earlier in the year. Zverev even considered therapy for the first time in his life.
In July 2025, Zverev stated that he felt generally alone in life, which was not a pleasant feeling. He admitted to lacking joy in everything, including tennis, and said that even winning tournaments in Stuttgart or Halle didn't bring the happiness and motivation he used to experience. He described it as "a feeling that you're going to bed and you're just not really motivated for the next day, you don't really feel like waking up and going to work," a sentiment he believed many people could relate to, regardless of their profession.
Following Wimbledon, Zverev took a break from tennis, going on vacation with friends and seeking professional help. "After Wimbledon I put my racket down and took extended time off and I went on holidays with my friends where I didn't train, didn't play tennis, didn't do anything to what I usually do," Zverev said. "I went and had some time off. Spent a lot of time with my friends. Got professional help also, which I'm still working with now". He confirmed that he sought professional help for the first time, taking a significant amount of time off, which included no training or physical work. This break allowed him to mentally free himself and enjoy his time away from the court.
Since returning to the court, Zverev has shown promising signs, reaching the semi-finals at both the Toronto Masters and the Cincinnati Open. "I really enjoyed the last two tournaments. I really enjoyed being back on the tennis court," he said. "I feel like everything is going in the right direction, and I'm very happy to be here right now". Despite not securing a title in either event, his performance indicates a positive shift in his mental state and overall well-being.
Zverev has been a Grand Slam runner-up on three occasions, including the 2020 US Open, the 2024 French Open, and the 2025 Australian Open. Now, he is focused on taking the "last step" and finally lifting a major trophy. To achieve this, he consulted with Rafael Nadal and Toni Nadal after Wimbledon, seeking improvements to challenge top players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Zverev's willingness to address his mental health openly has been praised as a reminder that even champions struggle and that prioritizing inner well-being is crucial. His journey reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental health in professional sports and serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. As he prepares for the US Open, Zverev is not only aiming for his maiden Grand Slam title but also demonstrating the strength and resilience that comes from prioritizing mental health.
