“It’s a place where I can play well”: Alexander Zverev seeks Shanghai spark despite battling with injuries and fatigue
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev is gearing up for the 2025 Rolex Shanghai Masters (October 3-12) with cautious optimism, viewing the ATP Masters 1000 event as a potential turning point despite ongoing back pain, fatigue from a grueling schedule, and a recent quarterfinal frustration at the China Open. The 28-year-old German, who has described Shanghai as “a place where I can play well” due to his strong history there—including a 2019 runner-up finish—hopes the Qi Zhong Tennis Center’s hard courts will reignite his form. However, his admission of limited training and reliance on pain injections underscores the physical and mental toll of 2025, a year marked by a French Open final but plagued by inconsistencies and health woes.
Recent Struggles: Beijing Breakdown and Back Woes
Zverev’s China Open campaign ended in disappointment on September 29, with a straight-sets 6-3, 6-3 loss to Daniil Medvedev in the quarters—his fifth straight defeat to the Russian. The match saw Zverev smash his racket after a second-set break and yell at his father-coach Alexander Sr., “Why the f**k are you laughing?” amid visible frustration. Earlier, he overcame Corentin Moutet 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 in the round of 16, but admitted post-match: “I had some pain… didn’t feel good physically.” The back issue, which required injections before play, flared up quickly after a strong Laver Cup showing, forcing him to “go downhill quite quickly.”
Zverev’s 2025 has been a mixed bag: a BMW Open title in April, French Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz (6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-7), but early exits at the US Open (third round) and inconsistent hard-court results. Fatigue from over 70 matches, combined with the ATP’s mandatory Masters participation, has compounded the strain. “I can’t train much,” Zverev revealed ahead of Shanghai, calling the injury “quite annoying” but manageable with two recent injections. He’s projected to face either Mariano Navone or Valentin Royer in the second round on October 4, with a potential semifinal against Novak Djokovic.
Why Shanghai? A Comfort Zone for Zverev
Zverev has fond memories of Shanghai, where he reached the 2019 final (lost to Rafael Nadal) and defeated Roger Federer en route—a breakthrough that launched his Masters contention. “It’s a place where I can play well,” he said in a pre-tournament interview, citing the courts’ pace suiting his all-court game and the supportive atmosphere. As the third seed in a loaded draw (Sinner defending, Djokovic returning post-US Open), Zverev eyes his eighth Masters 1000 title and a strong finish to secure ATP Finals qualification (he’s eighth in Race standings).
| Shanghai Highlights for Zverev | Year | Result | Key Opponent |
|——————————-|——|——–|————–|
| Finalist | 2019 | Lost to Nadal (6-3, 6-1) | Defeated Federer in QF |
| Round of 16 | 2023 | Lost to Sinner (7-6, 6-3) | Strong baseline showing |
| Projected Path (2025) | TBD | Second Rd: Navone/Royer; QF: Possible Fritz | Semi: Djokovic? Final: Sinner/Alcaraz |
Battling Fatigue: Calendar Critique and Recovery Plan
Zverev’s candor about fatigue aligns with broader player outcry—echoing Alcaraz and Świątek’s calls for fewer mandatory events. “The schedule is really tight,” he noted, with back-to-back 1000s in Asia exacerbating his issues. To combat this, he’s incorporating more rest, yoga, and targeted physio, while his team monitors the back closely. “I’m just trying to do my best to be 100% in Shanghai,” he added, emphasizing mental reset after Beijing’s emotional low.
Despite the hurdles, Zverev remains defiant: “It’s getting quite annoying, but I’ve dealt with worse.” With $1.2 million in Shanghai prize money on offer (£120,000 equivalent for winner), a deep run could vault him toward year-end No. 2 and erase doubts. Fans on X are rallying: “Sascha in Shanghai = magic—back be damned” (#ZverevShanghai, 4k mentions).
At 28, Zverev’s talent is undeniable—seven Masters titles, Olympic gold—but 2025’s toll tests his resilience. Shanghai could be the spark he craves, proving he’s more than his setbacks.
