Alexander Zverev, the world No. 3 and 2020 US Open finalist, is at a crossroads regarding his participation in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles event, scheduled for August 19-20 during Fan Week, due to health concerns following a challenging Cincinnati Open. Zverev, who experienced dizziness and breathing difficulties during his semifinal loss to Carlos Alcaraz (4-6, 3-6) on August 17, 2025, must decide whether to compete alongside Belinda Bencic in the $1 million mixed doubles event or prioritize recovery for the US Open singles, running August 24 to September 7 (web:0, post:6). His condition, which required a medical timeout and an inhaler, has raised doubts about his physical readiness, with Zverev stating, “My head is spinning. I can’t get any air into my lungs” (web:0, hindustantimes.com, August 17, 2025).
Zverev’s health issues, possibly linked to his ongoing respiratory problems and diabetes management, were evident earlier in the tournament against Ben Shelton, where he also needed medical intervention (web:17, profootballnetwork.com, August 16, 2025). Despite these challenges, he reached the Cincinnati semifinals, showcasing resilience with wins over Nishesh Basavareddy, Karen Khachanov, and Shelton (web:16). However, the quick turnaround from Cincinnati’s final on August 18 to the mixed doubles start date leaves little recovery time, especially given the event’s demanding format—sets to four games, no-ad scoring, and a 10-point tiebreak (web:9).
The decision is critical as Zverev aims to break his Grand Slam title drought at Flushing Meadows, where he lost the 2020 final to Dominic Thiem (web:0). Skipping mixed doubles could preserve his energy for singles, where he’s projected as the No. 3 seed behind Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz (web:4). Alternatively, playing with Bencic, a fellow 2021 Olympic gold medalist, offers a chance at a high-profile title but risks further strain (web:7, web:9). Posts on X highlight concern, with one stating, “Zverev’s health scare in Cincinnati could force him to skip mixed doubles. Smart move for singles?” (@PakPassionSport, August 17, 2025) (post:6).
Zverev’s dilemma mirrors strategic choices by athletes like Emma Raducanu, who withdrew from the US Open singles due to injuries, or Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin prioritizing the Davis Cup (web:15). His choice will hinge on medical advice and his ambition to finally claim a major, with fans and analysts awaiting his decision as the US Open looms.
