Alexander Zverev Makes Saddening Health Revelation but Vows to Keep Playing Tennis Despite Serious Adversity

Alexander Zverev has been in red-hot form for most parts of the ongoing season. His incredible run in 2024 saw him jump up to the second spot in the men’s singles ranking. However, recently he had to pull out of the China Open due to health issues. According to Zverev’s latest statements, he’s suffering from lung inflammation, which he believes would take him almost a couple of months to recover from. Will he take part in the Shanghai Masters? Well, the German recently gave an update to his fans.

Ahead of the Shanghai Masters, Zverev said, “I pulled out of Beijing was because I was quite sick. I had quite a high fever during the Laver Cup and after the Laver Cup. I ended up in hospital. I didn’t feel great and just didn’t have the energy to play. I was on antibiotics for a week.” Although he mentioned that he is feeling better than before, Zverev also admitted that the issue with his lung hasn’t completely vanished. However, he isn’t ruling out his chances of ending the year on a high note.

“I still have a feeling of maybe being a bit more tired than I’m used to, but it’s either I’m going to take the whole season off now or I’m going to play the way I can play. It’s nothing that will delay the recovery or will make it worse if I play, that’s what the doctor said, and that’s why I’m here (at the Shanghai Masters), and I’m happy to give my 100 percent of what I have,” said Zverev. He has played 71 matches this season and has won 54 out of them. Zverev won the title at the Italian Open this year and will really be keen to add to his tally before the season finishes.

Talking about his goals for the rest of the season, Zverev said, “For me personally it would be great to finish the year No. 2 in the world.” Who is the real threat to Alexander Zverev’s goal, though? 

“I know I have to be at my best to achieve that goal” – Alexander Zverev

Carlos Alcaraz’s superb run at the China Open has now helped him overtake Alexander Zverev in the ATP Live Rankings. The Spaniard recently defeated Daniil Medvedev to book a spot in the finals of the tournament. In the ATP Live Rankings, Alcaraz is currently sitting at the second spot with 6840 points, whereas Zverev sits at the third place with 6705 points. This is perhaps the reason why Zverev wants to be on the court and doesn’t want to miss the remainder of the season.

Alcaraz, although he suffered an early exit at the US Open, has already stated, “Right now, I feel prepared and I feel good, I feel my tennis is back.” Even Zverev himself heaped praise on the Spaniard for his incredible run of form. “Of course, I know Carlos is playing great tennis right now, he’s in Beijing making up points, and I know that I have to be at my best to achieve that goal,” said the German.

If Alexander Zverev plays at the Shanghai Masters, there is a high chance he will face Novak Djokovic in the SF. Currently, the Serb leads the H2H scoreline with an 8-4 margin. However, looking at the level of consistency that Zverev has shown this year, we can surely say he has all the potential to achieve a favorable result in Shanghai. Do you think Zverev has a real chance at the Shanghai Masters this year?