Alexander Zverev has shed some light on why he was forced to pull out of the China Open.
Alexander Zverev has revealed that he was diagnosed with pneumonia which caused him to pull out of the China Open, just days after helping Team Europe win the Laver Cup in Berlin.
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The world No. 2 recently lambasted the number of matches top tennis players feel forced to play in order to achieve their goals, raising eyebrows when he pulled out of the tournament in Beijing after declaring his intentions to do all he can to overtake Jannik Sinner in top spot.
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Zverev suffered two defeats at the Laver Cup but defeated Frances Tiafoe in a final set tie-breaker to help set up a 13-11 victory for Team Europe over Team World, before announcing his withdrawal and subsequent diagnosis.
“Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with pneumonia, which explains the physical difficulties I’ve had in recent months,” Zverev told the German Press Agency. “I have to take care of my health first so that I can compete again as soon as possible.
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“I am very disappointed to have to withdraw from the China Open. I will miss my Chinese fans in Beijing and hope to be able to play in front of them again soon.”
He could lose his spot as world No. 2 to Carlos Alcaraz if the reigning Wimbledon and French Open champion enjoys success in Beijing, but has instead prioritised his health after being a vocal critic of the tennis calendar.
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Zverev will hope to have recovered in time to play at the Shanghai Masters, starting October 2, with events in Vienna and Paris to come before possible involvement at the Davis Cup for Germany in addition to the ATP Finals in November.
The 27-year-old recently held a fiery press conference where he argued with a journalist over complaints regarding the tennis schedule, insisting that very little can be done by the players and ruling out a possible boycott.
“I do feel like we need to do something about it,” began Zverev. “I mean, I’m on the player council, so I do think the ATP is working towards that. It’s not an easy solution but it’s definitely a solution that needs to be made.”
