Emotional Zverev after first-round exit: “I’ve never felt this empty”

In a rare and candid self-analysis, Alexander Zverev admitted he must rediscover joy and emotional balance in his personal life before he can fully commit to tennis again

Alexander Zverev, Wimbledon 2025 Alexander Zverev, Wimbledon 2025 | © Chryslène Caillaud / PsNewz

Arthur Rinderknech produced the upset of the opening round on Centre Court Tuesday evening, ousting No. 3 seed Alexander Zverev 7‑6 (5), 6‑7 (4), 6‑3, 6‑7 (4), 6‑4. Yet it was the German’s haunting post-match confession in the press conference, rather than the scoreline itself, that sent the bigger shockwave through the All England Club.

“Maybe for the first time in my life I need (therapy),” Zverev told reporters, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve never felt this empty — just lacking joy in everything I do, even when I’m winning.”

The 27-year-old noted that he’s endured difficult periods before — a career-threatening ankle injury in 2022, legal scrutiny off court, and repeated heartbreak in Grand Slam finals — but said this time it feels different.

Something inside me has to change — I just don’t know what.

“I keep trying to find a way out of this hole,” he said. “Tennis isn’t the problem right now. Something inside me has to change — I just don’t know what.”

Tuesday’s loss marks a confusing dip in Zverev’s year, which included a run to the Australian Open final in January and strong performances on grass with a final in Stuttgart and a semi-final in Halle. While results have remained respectable, Zverev said the internal spark is gone.

“Even when I lifted trophies a few weeks ago, that surge of happiness I used to feel just wasn’t there,” he admitted. “I wake up, and the motivation for the next day is missing.”

When asked whether a coaching change — he’s been without a full-time coach since ending a trial with Sergi Bruguera last season — might be part of the solution, Zverev was unsure. “Possibly,” he said. “I’ll have answers by Canada [the Masters 1000 in one month]. Something has to shift, but it’s not a forehand or backhand fix.”

You could ask me 20 more questions and I still wouldn’t have an answer

Despite the defeat, Zverev was clear: his tennis isn’t broken.

“I don’t think I played a terrible match. I didn’t break him once, which says a lot about him. Especially yesterday, I thought it was high-level. The third set today wasn’t great. The fourth I played well. The fifth I played okay — apart from one stupid game,” he reflected. “It’s funny to say this after a first-round loss, but I don’t think tennis is the problem. It’s something else I have to find within me.”

Speaking later in German, Zverev added, “You could ask me 20 more questions and I still wouldn’t have an answer. I know I need to show emotion — but actually, deep down, I don’t even need to force it. There’s barely anything there.”

He continued: “I need to find myself a bit — understand which people bring me joy, what I enjoy, what motivates me. That’s my number one task right now: to find peace.”

Zverev now has a four-week window before the North American hard-court swing begins in Toronto. He hinted he will use that time to seek professional support. “I have to solve myself first,” he said. “The desire to win a major is still burning — but right now, I need to find joy again.”

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