Alexander Zverev has admitted he is considering therapy for the first time in his life after suffering a painful first-round exit at Wimbledon and revealing feelings of emptiness and isolation.
The German third seed was stunned by world number 72 Arthur Rinderknech of France, losing 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (8-10), 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4 in a grueling four-hour-and-40-minute match on Centre Court—his earliest exit from a Grand Slam since 2019.
Zverev, a three-time Grand Slam finalist and runner-up at this year’s Australian Open, is the highest-ranked player to fall so far in the men’s draw at the All England Club.
Speaking candidly in a post-match press conference, the 28-year-old offered a deeply personal reflection on his mental health.
“It’s funny, I feel very alone out there at times. I struggle mentally. I’ve been saying that since after the Australian Open,” he said.
“I’m trying to find ways to get out of this hole, but I keep finding myself back in it.”
Zverev said he has been struggling not just with his tennis but in life more broadly.
“I feel, generally speaking, quite alone in life at the moment, which is a feeling that is not very nice.”
Asked directly whether he would consider seeking professional help, Zverev replied: “Maybe for the first time in my life, I’ll probably need it.”
He continued: “I’ve been through a lot of difficulties—in the media, in life in general. I’ve never felt this empty before. I’m just lacking joy. Even when I’m winning, like in Stuttgart or Halle, it’s not the same feeling anymore. It’s not about tennis. I’m lacking joy outside of tennis, too.”
The match had initially started Monday evening but was suspended due to Wimbledon’s 10:00 p.m. curfew with the players locked at one set apiece.
When play resumed under blazing sun on Tuesday, Rinderknech—who hit 25 aces—capitalized on the momentum, while Zverev’s 31 aces were not enough to prevent the upset.
Despite reaching the second round or better in his past 20 Grand Slam appearances, Zverev has never gone beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon in nine attempts.
His on-court challenges come amid off-court scrutiny. In January 2023, the ATP concluded a two-year investigation into domestic abuse allegations brought by former girlfriend Olya Sharypova, finding insufficient evidence to take disciplinary action.
Separately, a German court dropped a case related to allegations by another former partner, Brenda Patea, after a settlement was reached in 2023.
For now, Zverev’s focus may turn away from tennis as he contemplates a path forward.
“I just want to find a way back to feeling like myself again,” he said.
