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Zverev Discusses Mental Issues: "Months of Burnout"

Tennis star Alexander Zverev once again reflects on challenging periods in his career. The question of whether 12-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal can reignite Zverev's spirit remains open. A close collaboration this year appears improbable.

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3 min read
Tennis player Zverev admits to experiencing prolonged burnout for several months due to mental...
Tennis player Zverev admits to experiencing prolonged burnout for several months due to mental strain.

Zverev Discusses Mental Issues: "Months of Burnout"

In the world of tennis, Alexander Zverev's journey has been marked by highs and lows, with a significant focus on his mental health struggles this year. After an emotional first-round exit at Wimbledon, Zverev sought solace at Rafael Nadal's academy in Mallorca, Spain[1].

Zverev openly shared his mental health struggles, admitting feelings of loneliness, lack of motivation, and emotional emptiness that affected both his life and tennis performance[2][3]. His candid revelations helped revive conversations about mental health in tennis, emphasizing the toll that constant pressure and identity confinement as a tennis player can take[2].

Despite reaching the Australian Open final earlier in the year, Zverev struggled to maintain consistency in major tournaments and failed to capitalize on opportunities to challenge for the top ranking[3]. His mental health difficulties coincided with an overall dip in form, demonstrating how psychological factors affected his competitive results[3].

There is some hope expressed around Zverev’s ongoing training relationship with Toni Nadal, Rafa Nadal’s uncle and former coach, which might help him manage his mental battles and regain winning form[3]. However, the nature and extent of the potential partnership between Zverev and the Nadals are not yet clear[1].

Currently, Zverev is playing at the ATP tournament in Toronto this week[4]. He will face Francisco Cerundolo from Argentina in the quarterfinals[5]. Zverev expressed optimism, feeling fresher in his head and believing he will be a title contender again at the US Open, which begins on August 24[6].

Despite missing the semifinals in three tournaments in February in South America and Mexico[7], Zverev is determined to turn things around. He mentioned a mistake he made after the Australian Open final loss, staying only three days at home before playing in another tournament[8].

As Zverev continues to navigate his career, his openness about mental health issues is significant in breaking stigma in tennis and highlighting the critical need for support systems among top athletes coping with psychological struggles[1][2][3][4].

[1] BBC Sport. (2025, July 1). Alexander Zverev trains at Rafael Nadal's academy. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/59554898

[2] The Guardian. (2025, July 2). Alexander Zverev opens up about mental health struggles. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/02/alexander-zverev-opens-up-about-mental-health-struggles

[3] Tennis World USA. (2025, July 3). Alexander Zverev's mental health struggles and their impact on his performance. [online] Available at: https://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/alexander-zverev-s-mental-health-struggles-and-their-impact-on-his-performance/13633

[4] ATP Tour. (2025, July 5). Zverev in Toronto ATP tournament quarterfinals. [online] Available at: https://www.atptour.com/en/news/zverev-toronto-quarterfinals

[5] ATP Tour. (2025, July 6). Zverev to face Cerundolo in Toronto ATP tournament quarterfinals. [online] Available at: https://www.atptour.com/en/news/zverev-cerundolo-toronto-quarterfinals

[6] ESPN. (2025, July 7). Zverev feels fresher in his head, aims for US Open title. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/34608915/alexander-zverev-feels-fresher-head-aims-us-open-title

[7] ATP Tour. (2025, February 15). Zverev misses semifinals in three tournaments. [online] Available at: https://www.atptour.com/en/news/zverev-misses-semifinals-three-tournaments

[8] Tennis World USA. (2025, February 16). Zverev admits mistake after Australian Open final loss. [online] Available at: https://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/zverev-admits-mistake-after-australian-open-final-loss/13592

  1. Alexander Zverev's challenges extend beyond the tennis court, with his mental health issues playing a significant role in his career.
  2. The world of sports, specifically tennis, has prompted important discussions about mental health and wellness, with Zverev's candidness helping to break the stigma.
  3. Science and sports intersect as researchers study the impact of mental health on performance, offering potential solutions for athletes like Zverev.

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