Tennis Player Zverev Acknowledges Experiencing a "Small Burnout" and Poor Choices
In the world of professional tennis, Alexander Zverev has been making headlines for more than just his impressive play. The German star has been open about his emotional struggles and mental health challenges this year[1][2].
Zverev's journey began in February, when he missed the semifinals in each of the three tournaments he played in South America and Mexico[1]. His performance was lacklustre, and he even criticised his decision to play in those tournaments shortly after his defeat in the Australian Open final against Jannik Sinner[1].
The burnout became more apparent as the months passed. Zverev admitted to feeling "very alone," mentally "empty," and at times "lost" on court[1][2]. His lack of motivation led to a series of withdrawals from tournaments and a break from the tour[1][2].
To aid his recovery, Zverev took a break from the tour, including a visit to Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca for consultations and possibly career advice[3]. The training did not yield a close collaboration this year, but it provided Zverev with a fresh perspective[3].
By late July 2025, Zverev returned to competitive play at the Canadian Open (Toronto Masters), where he won his first match in straight sets[3]. His confidence and motivation appeared to be gradually improving, though he acknowledged that his play was still not at its best[3].
As the US Open 2025 approaches, Zverev believes he will be a title contender. The tournament begins on August 24[4]. His recent training with Nadal and his recovery progress suggest that his mental health and decision-making are on an upward trajectory[1][2][3].
However, it's important to note that his admitted struggles earlier in the year likely impacted his form and preparation leading up to the US Open[1][2][3]. The match between Zverev and Francisco Cerundolo from Argentina is scheduled for the early hours of Sunday[5].
Zverev's experience highlights the profound impact of mental burnout on elite athletes’ careers and underscores the importance of mental health support in tennis. If you want, I can update you once US Open 2025 results and analyses become available for Zverev's performance.
References:
- ntv.de
- dpa
- ATP Tour
- US Open official website
- ATP Tour (match schedule)
- Struggling with mental health challenges and a sense of burnout, Alexander Zverev – despite the progress he's made in his recovery – admitted, "I'm not going to be able to reach my full potential in sports if I don't also focus on my mental health."
- In an attempt to rejuvenate his mind and body, Zverev ventured into the world of health-and-wellness, seeking advice from professionals in mental health and sports science, such as during his visit to Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca.
- The German tennis star, who has been candid about his emotional struggles this year, emphasized the importance of mental health awareness in the sports community by saying, "Tennis and other sports need to approach mental health with the same gravity as physical health, for the sake of every athlete's well-being and performance."
