Zverev's statements about loneliness and his inner life caused a stir.

Alexander Zverev spoke voluntarily and clearly about the step he took because of his mental health issues. He has sought "professional help" and continues to work with it, the Tokyo Olympic tennis champion said when discussing his health before the start of the US Open. However, he did not elaborate on the type of help.

A mental coach? A psychotherapist? The 28-year-old, who caused an international stir at Wimbledon with his comments about feelings of loneliness and lack of motivation on the tennis court, left that question open.

The help is good. "It's a process. It won't be over in a week or two. I think it's something you have to work on over several years," explained the world number three. "That's what I do," Zverev continued, sitting on the New York press podium in his purple hoodie.

A good seven weeks after his remarkable statements at Wimbledon, which Boris Becker and others found "worrying," Zverev seemed satisfied. He feels ready for the New York spectacle.

"I feel much better," said the German number one, German tennis's great hope for the final Grand Slam tournament of the season. "I was very frustrated with myself. I wasn't happy on the court. Now I feel like things are going in the right direction again," said Zverev, "and I'm very happy to be here right now."

That sounded very different from what he heard in London after his first-round debacle against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech. Zverev revealed that he had "never felt so empty," revealing his inner self and also shocked with the following sentence: "I'm missing the fun in everything I do."

At this extraordinary press conference on July 1, Zverev also said that he might need therapy for the first time in his life. His daughter Mayla is the person who makes him happiest in life. "Something inside me has to change, something that isn't necessarily on the tennis court," Zverev said.

In the New York press room, his brother Mischa Zverev and his friend Sergei Bubka Junior, both his managers, sat in the third row. His father, Alexander Zverev Sr., was on the training court as usual. Zverev hasn't made any noticeable, permanent changes to his team since Wimbledon. The people around him are "great," Zverev reassured.

Some questions remained unanswered on Friday, however. For example, the inquiry about the arrangements with Toni Nadal. Or the question of whether he would have liked to have had the successful coach with him in New York. The press conference ended before any questions arose, because top star Novak Djokovic was ready to be the next interview guest.

Zverev had been preparing for the North American tour at the academy of Djokovic's long-time rival, Rafael Nadal's academy in Mallorca. Beforehand, he had treated himself to a vacation, spent a lot of time with friends, and completely removed himself from tennis. The Wimbledon defeat had a positive side for him. He had time to "find himself again" and flew to Mallorca feeling refreshed. He really "enjoyed" being back on the tennis court.

Zverev is convinced that Toni Nadal can bring him a step closer to his long-awaited first Grand Slam title. However, a collaboration initially fell through. "I think he wasn't used to not getting an immediate yes," said tennis icon Becker in a podcast with Andrea Petkovic. Becker had previously advised Zverev to seek an external coach to keep pace with the currently dominant Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Five years ago in New York, Zverev was just two points away from a Grand Slam triumph. He's still pursuing his goal. Chilean Alejandro Tabilo shouldn't be a stumbling block in the opening match. Overall, Zverev has landed a manageable draw for a long time. However, he will also have to be 100 percent physically fit for his journey to the hoped-for final.

And just a week ago, he was far from that. In Cincinnati, he complained of respiratory and circulatory problems, and at times was a shadow of his former self. What lay behind these problems left Zverev puzzled.

His blood work was okay, the three-time Grand Slam tournament finalist reported. "I don't know exactly. I think I took too many painkillers and that might have made me a little sick. I've had back pain for the past few weeks."

His back is another thing that could affect him. But Zverev remains confident: "For me, it's about winning the last point. I'm very hopeful that I can do that this year." The top favorites are Sinner and Alcaraz.