‘I Was Quite Depressed at Times’ – Alexander Zverev Opens Up on His Mental Health After His Second Round Victory at French Open 2022

Alexander Zverev hasn’t had an ideal 2022 season. Going into the French Open, the German tennis star is yet to win a title this year. Additionally, he has had an inconsistent run in tournaments. A player boasting massive talent and potential, the 25-year-old has failed to hit top form in tournaments this season.

Earlier in the second round of Roland Garros, Zverev came back from two sets down to defeat Sebastian Baez of Argentina in a five-set thriller. After his victory, Zverev opened up about his mental health.

Alexander Zverev on his mental health

During the post-match press conference, an interviewer asked the German star how he deals with good and bad messages about him on social media. Zverev said, “I mean, you have to learn not to look at it. But for me, my mental health does not depend on social media. My mental health depends on other problems I have, to be honest.”

Further, he added, “I never talk about it. I think some players talk about it more often, and more open. I don’t like to do that, but I was struggling a lot this year. So, yeah, not because of social media. I was struggling a lot because of other things, so I was not happy. I think I was quite depressed at times, as well.”

Talking about fans’ expectations from players, he said, “So, yeah. It’s all a big part. I think the pressure we are under, we are constantly in a spotlight. I think players from 20, 30 years ago don’t understand because now every single little thing you do, there is a camera there or someone that can comment on it or there is someone that will write about it.”

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Concluding his remarks, Zverev said, “But that’s just the world we live in right now. It’s sad to see. But that’s the reality, because I think social media gives everybody a platform to say whatever they want, good or bad.”

Zverev survives scare at French Open 2022

The third seed had to dig deep to overcome his Argentine opponent. Baez began the match on the front foot, winning the first set, 6-2. Further, he carried the momentum into the second set, winning it 6-4.

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However, Zverev showed his fighting spirit as he clinched the third set 6-1. Growing in confidence, the German leveled the match by winning the fourth set, 6-2. The deciding set was a keenly contested affair. Zverev used his experience and won points at crucial junctures to win the decider 7-5. In the third round, Zverev will face Brandon Nakashima of the United States.