Alexander Zverev, the world No. 3 and a top seed at the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters, was forced to call for the physio during a pivotal second-round match against qualifier Valentin Royer on October 4, sparking major concern over a fresh right foot injury. The German, already battling ongoing back issues and fatigue from a demanding season, appeared to twist his foot while serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set—needing just one more game to advance to the third round. The umpire immediately radioed for medical assistance: “We need the physio on Stadium court for Zverev… For a right foot injury.” Zverev is now set for further doctor tests to assess the severity, potentially jeopardizing his deep-run hopes in the ATP Masters 1000 event.
The Match: A Tense Injury Scare
Zverev, who received a bye into the second round as the third seed, started strongly against the lower-ranked Royer, taking the first set comfortably. He carried that momentum into the second, reaching 5-4 and serving for the match when the injury struck mid-point, halting play abruptly. Royer, gracious at the net, offered well-wishes as Zverev limped, underscoring the sportsmanship amid the drama. The extent of the foot problem remains unclear, but Zverev’s history of physical setbacks—including a back flare-up requiring injections at the recent China Open—raises fears of a prolonged absence.
This incident adds to a frustrating 2025 for Zverev: a French Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz, a China Open quarterfinal exit to Daniil Medvedev (marked by a racket smash and outburst), and ongoing fatigue from over 70 matches. He’s spoken openly about the “annoying” back pain limiting his training, and now the foot issue threatens his ATP Finals qualification push (he’s eighth in the Race standings).## Zverev’s Shanghai History and Stakes
Shanghai holds special significance for Zverev, where he reached the 2019 final (lost to Rafael Nadal) and has a strong hard-court affinity. A deep run here—potentially facing Novak Djokovic in the semifinals—could salvage his season and add to his seven Masters 1000 titles. The tournament offers $1.2 million in prize money, with the winner earning around $1 million equivalent, crucial for his year-end No. 2 bid.
| Stage | Prize Money (USD) | Zverev’s Potential Path |
|——-|——————-|————————-|
| Winner | ~$1,000,000 | Third Rd onward if fit |
| Runner-up | ~$535,000 | – |
| Semifinalist | ~$285,000 | Possible vs. Djokovic |
| Quarterfinalist | ~$150,000 | Already earned via bye + R2 |
Broader Injury Trends and Response
Zverev’s scare aligns with a wave of ATP injuries in 2025, including Carlos Alcaraz’s ankle tweak (leading to his Shanghai withdrawal) and Casper Ruud’s wrist retirement. He’s echoed calls for calendar reform alongside Alcaraz and Iga Świątek, noting the “tight” schedule exacerbates issues. Post-match updates are pending, but Zverev’s team is prioritizing scans to avoid a long-term setback.
Fans on social media expressed sympathy, with #ZverevInjury trending: “Sascha can’t catch a break—hope it’s minor” (thousands of posts). At 28, with Olympic gold and Masters pedigree, Zverev’s resilience will be tested—Shanghai’s “spark” now hangs in the balance.
