Zverev reveals mental problems: "Pretty much alone in life"

Tennis star Alexander Zverev has publicly revealed his mental health struggles following his first-round exit at Wimbledon. "I feel pretty alone in life at the moment. And that's not a very nice feeling," said a visibly shaken Zverev on Tuesday evening at the All England Club. He said it's difficult for him "to find joy outside of the tennis court" at the moment. He also said he could imagine therapy.

The Hamburg native was surprisingly eliminated in five sets by Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech late in the afternoon. At the press conference about two hours after the end of the match, he offered a deep insight into his inner life. "I've been through a lot of difficulties. I've been through a lot of difficulties in the media. I've been through a lot of difficulties in life in general. I've never felt so empty," Zverev said dejectedly. He "simply lacks the joy in everything I do. It's not necessarily about tennis."

Zverev wants to find answers before the Masters in Canada, which begins at the end of July. He needs to understand "which people bring me joy, what motivates me." At the age of 28, that is "his number one task." Currently, his daughter Mayla is the person who makes him happiest. "But she's 4. Actually, it should be the other way around; I should give her energy." He doesn't yet know how he will spend the coming days, Zverev said.

RND/SID