After his semi-final exit at the Australian Open, Alexander Zverev canceled his planned participation in the ATP tournament in Rotterdam due to renewed physical complaints. The fourth in the world rankings has renewed problems with his ankle and, on the advice of his physiotherapist, should recover instead of chasing the title next week. This was announced by the organizers of the tournament.
“I think it’s a shame that I have to make this decision,” the 28-year-old from Hamburg was quoted as saying. “However, given my history with my ankle, I must prioritize my recovery and cannot take any risks.”
Health is still a trump card in Melbourne
Zverev injured his ankle very seriously at the French Open 2022 and had to take a break for months after an operation. The statement suggests that the current problem is the same ankle, but he did not clearly say this. However, the words of tournament director Richard Krajicek, who recalled the images and consequences of the previous injury, also suggest this.
Zverev had put in a strong performance at the Australian Open, but failed in a dramatic semi-final in five sets against the eventual Spanish champion Carlos Alcaraz. “I am finally healthy and pain-free,” said the top German player in Melbourne, explaining his good performance in contrast to the mixed months of 2025.
Last year, the 2021 Olympic tennis champion was repeatedly set back by injuries. A swollen ankle was also problematic towards the end of the season.
At the event in the Dutch port city, Zverev would have been in first place next week after Melbourne champion Carlos Alcaraz also withdrew his entry.
Zverev was not scheduled for the qualifying round of the German men’s tennis in the Davis Cup on Friday and Saturday in Düsseldorf anyway.
