Alexander Zverev wants to achieve brilliant results in the latter part of this season, but at the same time he is aware that his body is sending him some very clear signals. The world number 3 - who did not have a satisfactory year after reaching the final at the Australian Open deceiving everyone - has had back and shoulder problems in recent weeks and has also had to undergo some infiltrations to soothe the pain.
It is unclear why the German ace who would need to rest right now decided to participate in a non-mandatory tournament such as the Vienna ATP 500, before defending his title at the Paris Masters 1000 next week. The champion from Hamburg is desperately trying to regain his certainties, but he did not have an easy debut in the Austrian capital, risking a lot against Jacob Fearnley and proving that he is very far from the top of his shape yet.
Zverev is not feeling well
Sascha has also been called up by the German captain for the Davis Cup Finals scheduled in Bologna from 18 to 23 November. Alexander has always sided against the new format of this competition and it is for this reason that he has limited his appearances in the Davis Cup, but he decided to play this event this year despite his recent physical problems.
"I'm happy to have made it through the first round here in Vienna," said Sascha after his first round match, expressing some concern about his future. "I think it was a good test, although I have to admit that my body is not responding in the best possible way. I had some uncertainty before the start of this tournament and I only realized during the warm-up that I would be able to play normally," added the German star.
Zverev will be back in action for the round of 16 against Italian player Matteo Arnaldi tomorrow, in the hope that he feels better physically and can express a high level between now and the end of his troubled 2025.
