Tennis player Zverev acknowledges prolonged burnout for several months regarding mental issues.
In recent months, tennis star Alexander Zverev has been grappling with mental health challenges, stemming from a series of high-pressure losses and feelings of isolation on tour. This decline reached a climax with a shocking first-round exit at Wimbledon in 2025, prompting an emotional admission about his mental health struggles [1][2][3].
The pressure to win a first Grand Slam, constant travel, media scrutiny, and feelings of solitude during competition all contributed to Zverev's burnout. He confessed to feeling mentally drained, often alone, and even considered therapy for the first time in his life [2][3]. Zverev described repeatedly falling into a "hole" of negative mental states despite his attempts to escape it [1].
To address these issues, Zverev has embarked on a journey towards recovery and improved performance. He began training with Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy, aiming to build greater mental resilience. This collaboration also involves Rafael Nadal as a mentor figure, providing both emotional and tactical support that targets Zverev's mental battles on and off the court [3].
Zverev's openness about mental health has drawn empathy and advice from fellow players and possibly motivated him to explore therapy, marking a new willingness to seek professional psychological help [2][3][5]. Notably, he trained at Rafael Nadal's academy in Mallorca after his first-round exit at Wimbledon.
In the face of these challenges, Zverev remains optimistic about his future. He feels refreshed mentally and believes he will be a title contender again for the US Open, starting on August 24. His upcoming quarterfinals match against Francisco Cerundolo from Argentina in the Toronto ATP tournament will take place in the early hours of this Sunday [6].
Despite the ongoing negotiations for a potential partnership with the Nadals, the details have not been finalized yet. Toni Nadal's schedule is quite full, and he might not be seen often by Zverev's side this year. However, Rafael Nadal believes Zverev can win a Grand Slam, but only if he plays bolder [7].
Zverev's recent training at the Rafa Nadal Academy and his openness about mental health issues are early signs of a positive turnaround. As he continues to address these challenges, tennis fans eagerly await the return of a confident and joyful Zverev to the court [1][3].
References:
- Zverev opens up about mental health struggles
- Zverev reveals mental health struggles after Wimbledon exit
- Zverev seeks mental help after Wimbledon exit
- Zverev's negotiations for potential partnership with Nadals
- Zverev's openness about mental health draws empathy and advice
- Zverev to face Cerundolo in Toronto ATP quarterfinals
- Nadal believes Zverev can win a Grand Slam
- Alexander Zverev's struggles with mental health, driven by factors like pressure to win a first Grand Slam and feelings of isolation, have been accentuated by the tumultuous world of sports.
- Embracing health-and-wellness, Zverev is training with Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy, focusing on enhancing his mental resilience and mental health, particularly in sports like tennis.
- Zverev's openness about his mental health issues and his collaboration with the Nadals could pave the way for a revitalized and more resilient approach to health-and-wellness in the sporting world.
