Alexander Zverev, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, has embarked on a determined path to revive his career following a candid revelation about his mental health struggles after a shock first-round exit at Wimbledon 2025. The German star, seeded third, lost to Arthur Rinderknech on July 1, prompting him to admit, “I feel very alone out there at times. I struggle mentally… I’ve never felt this empty before.” The 28-year-old, who reached the Australian Open final in January, expressed a lack of joy both on and off the court, hinting at the possibility of seeking therapy for the first time.
Zverev’s openness has sparked a broader conversation at Wimbledon about mental health in tennis, with peers like Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova offering support. Sabalenka, who has experienced similar challenges, urged him to “talk openly,” while Anisimova, who took a mental health break in 2023, empathized with his loneliness, crediting her own break for her current resurgence to the Wimbledon final. Zverev’s struggles trace back to a tough season post-Australian Open, compounded by personal and professional pressures, including domestic abuse allegations he has denied.
Undeterred, Zverev has begun training at the Rafa Nadal Academy alongside Toni Nadal, aiming to reset for the hard-court season. His recent practice sessions on July 14 suggest a renewed focus, with Toni’s guidance potentially key to his comeback. This move mirrors Anisimova’s successful return, hinting that Zverev’s willingness to address his mental state could be the turning point he needs to reclaim his elite status.
