Tennis Player Zverev Admits to Chronic Burnout Spanning Several Months Regarding Mental Health Issues
In the bustling city of Toronto, the ATP tournament is underway this week, and one of the most anticipated matches is scheduled for the early hours of Sunday morning. Alexander Zverev, the German tennis star, is set to face Francisco Cerundolo from Argentina in the quarterfinals.
Zverev's journey this year has been marked by significant mental health struggles, which he publicly acknowledged in 2025. After a disappointing first-round exit at Wimbledon that year, he expressed feeling "very alone" and struggling mentally. He described a lack of motivation and joy outside tennis, and for the first time, considered therapy.
Despite a solid start to his grass-court season, including reaching the Stuttgart Open final and Halle Open semifinals, he could not maintain momentum at Wimbledon. These mental health challenges correlate with his struggles to perform consistently at crucial moments during the year, as he managed only one title (BMW Open) in 2025 and faced early losses in significant tournaments.
Zverev's candor has sparked broader discussions on mental health in tennis, with other players like Naomi Osaka and Madison Keys reflecting on similar challenges. His collaboration with Toni Nadal, the legendary tennis coach, is seen by some as a potential positive step to help him address his mental battles and rekindle his competitive edge.
Currently, Zverev feels fresher in the head and promises to be a title contender for the US Open starting on August 24. He has taken time off for personal reasons post-Wimbledon, a prudent move to focus on his mental wellness.
Zverev's training at Rafael Nadal's academy did not affect his participation in the US Open or the Toronto ATP tournament. In fact, he spent time at the academy in Mallorca after his first-round exit at Wimbledon, aiming to regain his form. However, the training does not seem to have had an immediate impact on his performance in the Toronto ATP tournament.
The US Open, the fourth Grand Slam tournament of the year, is a significant opportunity for Zverev. He hopes for support from Rafael Nadal and his uncle Toni in his pursuit of a Grand Slam title. Zverev admitted to a mistake after his defeat in the Australian Open final against Jannik Sinner, stating he didn't take enough time to rest and process the loss.
Nadal believes Zverev can win a Grand Slam, but emphasizes the need for him to play bolder. Zverev is in negotiations for a potential partnership with the Nadals, a move that could further strengthen his game.
In February, Zverev missed the semifinals at three consecutive tournaments in South America and Mexico, citing a small burnout, lack of motivation, and disinterest in training. His struggles this year have not deterred him, though. Instead, they have made him more determined to overcome them and reach the pinnacle of tennis.
As the tournament progresses, tennis fans around the world will be watching closely to see if Zverev can rise to the challenge and secure a place in the finals. His mental health journey has resonated with many, and his perseverance serves as an inspiration to all.
Sports fans worldwide eagerly anticipate Alexander Zverev's mental health journey in the US Open, where his goal is to secure a Grand Slam title with potential support from Rafael Nadal and his uncle Toni. Zverev's struggles this year have expanded discussions on mental health in sports, and his resilience serves as an inspiration for mental-health advocates in health-and-wellness and science communities. Before diving into the US Open, Zverev took a break for personal reasons to focus on his mental wellness, aiming to regain his form and consistency in performance. His tennis career has seen ups and downs, but his recent candidness about mental health challenges has been inspiring, even in the face of early losses in significant tournaments.
