CINCINNATI — German tennis star Alexander Zverev raised concerns about his health during a press conference at the Cincinnati Open, admitting to lingering physical issues that have cast doubt over his readiness for the upcoming US Open. The world No. 12, who suffered a severe ankle injury at the 2022 French Open, revealed he is still not at 100% fitness despite recent strong performances.
Zverev, who reached the semifinals in Cincinnati before falling to Novak Djokovic, made the startling confession after visibly struggling with movement during his matches. "I’m not fully recovered yet," he admitted. "There are days when the pain is manageable, but others where it’s a real battle. Right now, I’m just trying to push through."
A Lingering Ankle Issue
The 26-year-old’s health struggles trace back to his gruesome ankle injury during his 2022 Roland Garros semifinal against Rafael Nadal. Zverev tore multiple ligaments, requiring surgery and sidelining him for the remainder of the season. Though he returned in 2023, his movement—once one of his greatest strengths—has been inconsistent.
In Cincinnati, Zverev’s discomfort was evident, particularly during his quarterfinal win over Adrian Mannarino. Tennis analysts noted his reluctance to slide on hard courts, a tactic he previously relied on. "You can see he’s protecting it," remarked former player Jim Courier during commentary. "He’s not moving with the same explosiveness."
US Open Concerns
With the US Open just days away, Zverev’s confession has sparked fears about his ability to compete at Flushing Meadows. The German, a 2020 finalist in New York, remains a dark horse contender, but his physical limitations could derail his campaign.
Key concerns include:
- Reduced lateral movement, critical for baseline rallies
- Diminished serve speed, down nearly 5 mph from pre-injury levels
- Fatigue in longer matches, as seen in his Cincinnati semifinal loss
Medical Perspective
Dr. Michael Johnson, a sports orthopedic specialist, weighed in on Zverev’s situation: "Ankle injuries of this severity often take 18-24 months for full recovery. Even then, some athletes never regain their prior explosiveness."
Zverev’s Determination
Despite the challenges, Zverev remains defiant. "I’ve worked too hard to let this stop me," he said. "The US Open is a major goal, and I’ll fight through whatever pain I have to." His coach, Sergi Bruguera, echoed this sentiment, insisting Zverev’s mental toughness will compensate for any physical shortcomings.
However, rivals have taken notice. Djokovic, after their Cincinnati match, observed: "Sascha isn’t moving as freely as before. But he’s still dangerous—you can’t underestimate him."
Fan and Expert Reactions
Tennis fans and pundits have expressed mixed reactions:
- Some applaud his resilience, calling him an inspiration
- Others worry he risks further injury by competing at less than full strength
- A few suggest he should skip the US Open to prioritize long-term recovery
ESPN analyst Patrick McEnroe cautioned: "Pushing too hard now could shorten his career. He needs to listen to his body."
Looking Ahead
Zverev’s performance in Cincinnati—where he defeated top-20 players Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev—proves he remains a threat. Yet, the looming question is whether his body can withstand seven best-of-five matches in New York.
As the US Open approaches, all eyes will be on the German’s early-round matches for signs of improvement—or further decline. His honesty about his condition has added an unexpected layer of drama to the season’s final Grand Slam.
For now, Zverev remains optimistic. "Every day gets a little better," he insisted. "I didn’t come this far just to come this far."