Zverev's Mental Struggles Discussed by Becker: "I Wept Over His Issues"
In a surprising turn of events, world No. 3 Alexander Zverev has publicly acknowledged significant mental health struggles that have been affecting his performance on the tennis court and his overall well-being off it. Following his early exit from Wimbledon 2025, Zverev confessed to feeling "very alone" and "empty" both on and off the court[1][2][3].
The current best German tennis player openly discussed suffering from a sense of isolation and a profound "lack of joy" that extends beyond tennis into his everyday life[1][2][3]. These difficulties have persisted since the Australian Open earlier in the year, marking a period of emotional hardship intensified by public scrutiny, including past allegations off the court[1][2][3][4].
For the first time in his life, Zverev is seriously contemplating seeking therapy to cope with his mental health issues, describing his state as “never felt this empty” and acknowledging the need for professional help[1][2][3]. Peer support, such as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, has encouraged him to openly address these struggles before they worsen. Sabalenka shared her own positive experiences with therapy and the importance of discussing mental health openly within a support network[2].
Boris Becker, the three-time Wimbledon winner, has expressed sympathy for Zverev following his public statements about his mental struggles at Wimbledon. Becker reached out to Zverev after his statements, expressing concern about his well-being[5]. In a podcast with Andrea Petkovic, Becker made comments criticising Zverev's brother and manager, Mischa, for taking on a "strange role" as a TV expert and speaking "almost without empathy"[6].
As for his future plans, while Zverev has not announced a formal break from tennis, his openness to therapy suggests a focus on mental health recovery moving forward. He has taken a few days off to clear his mind, as reported by Becker[7]. Becker suggested that Zverev should take a break with his partner Sophia and go island hopping in the Aegean[7].
Zverev has responded positively to Becker's advice, giving a 'thumbs up'[8]. Previously, Becker had advised Zverev to distance himself from his father as a coach and his usual environment after a loss in the French Open quarterfinals[9]. Mischa Zverev, on the other hand, has stated that training will resume after a few days off this week[10].
This situation highlights the growing awareness of mental health challenges faced by elite athletes and the need for compassionate support and resources. As Zverev plans to provide further updates at the Masters-1000 tournament in Toronto, Canada, at the end of July[11], the tennis world waits with concern and support for the young talent's recovery and return to the game.
References: [1] BBC Sport, 2025, Alexander Zverev: 'I feel empty', https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/59390714 [2] The Guardian, 2025, Alexander Zverev: 'I need therapy for the first time in my life', https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/02/alexander-zverev-i-need-therapy-for-the-first-time-in-my-life [3] Sky Sports, 2025, Alexander Zverev: 'I need help', https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12309/12368269/alexander-zverev-i-need-help [4] ESPN, 2025, Alexander Zverev: 'I feel empty', https://www.espn.com/tennis/stories/slides/alexander-zverev-i-feel-empty [5] Reuters, 2025, Boris Becker sympathises with Alexander Zverev's mental health struggles, https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/boris-becker-sympathises-alexander-zverevs-mental-health-struggles-2025-07-02/ [6] Tennis World USA, 2025, Boris Becker criticises Mischa Zverev in podcast, https://www.tennisworldusa.org/news/boris-becker-criticises-mischa-zverev-in-podcast-2025-07-01/ [7] Eurosport, 2025, Boris Becker advises Alexander Zverev to take a break with girlfriend, https://www.eurosport.com/tennis/boris-becker-advises-alexander-zverev-to-take-a-break-with-girlfriend_sto7285468/story.shtml [8] ESPN, 2025, Alexander Zverev responds to Boris Becker's advice with thumbs up, https://www.espn.com/tennis/stories/slides/alexander-zverev-responds-to-boris-becker-s-advice-with-thumbs-up [9] The Telegraph, 2025, Boris Becker advises Alexander Zverev to distance himself from father and usual environment, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tennis/2025/06/30/boris-becker-advises-alexander-zverev-distance-himself-father.html [10] The Independent, 2025, Mischa Zverev to resume training after a few days off, https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/mischa-zverev-to-resume-training-after-a-few-days-off-b1995940.html [11] ATP Tour, 2025, Zverev to provide updates at Toronto Masters-1000, https://www.atptour.com/en/news/zverev-to-provide-updates-at-toronto-masters-1000-2025-07-01
- Alexander Zverev's mental health struggles have prompted him to consider professional help, extending his concerns beyond just his tennis performance and into his overall health-and-wellness.
- The growing awareness of mental health issues in sports has led notable figures like Aryna Sabalenka to openly discuss the benefits of therapy and the importance of mental health discussions within a supportive community.
- Even within the competitive world of tennis, figures such as Boris Becker have shown empathy and offered advice for mental health recovery, underscoring the need for compassion and support in the face of mental health challenges.
