Tennis star Zverev reveals before the Australian Open: The truth about my injury Sports

Paris, June 3, 2022: A scream echoes over the Philippe-Chatrier court at the French Open. Alexander Zverev (25) twisted his ankle against Rafael Nadal (36) in the semifinals. The end for seven months. Now he is making his Grand Slam comeback in Australia.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: They said two weeks after their injury in BamS that they would only come back if they could win tournaments and not just if they were fit. They lost twice clearly in the United Cup. Why are you still in Melbourne?

Alexander Zverev: Because it’s different if you’re out for three months or seven. At the time it was not foreseeable that it would take so long. I need games to find the shape now. I’m perfectly healthy, but I’m not just walking in here after such a long time and winning the Australian Open.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: When could you be able to win tournaments again?

It is clear that I will not win the Australian Open in the current condition. But that doesn’t mean I can’t find my form after a game or two. Then self-confidence increases and then – let’s see.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: Did you start too early after the ligament tear?

Zverev: It’s complicated. It was always reported that three ligaments were torn. But there were seven, three of whom underwent surgery. After seven weeks everything was healed, but I had bone edema (accumulation of fluid in the bone marrow; ed.) that did not heal properly. But that was not communicated to me, so from today’s perspective I started rehab and training too early, which made the edema worse.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: … and you missed the Davis Cup in September in Hamburg.

Zverev: I agree. Before the Davis Cup, I had pain in my Achilles tendon. But it wasn’t that, there were micro-fractures in the bones, as an MRI showed. That’s it then.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: Her brother Mischa said you play 50 to 60 sets before a Grand Slam. You just got ten. How far were you able to catch up?

Zverev: I played at least two or three sets here every day, even though training is very different from a match. I’ve trained with Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Stan Wawrinka. This made the process go faster.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: Speaking of Nadal, how was the first meeting with him after the accident?

Zverev: It was in Sydney and very pleasant. He said he was very happy that I was back and able to fully participate. We have a great relationship, which the injury has made even better.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: They also trained with Dirk Nowitzki. Who calls whom and asks: “Do you have time?”

Zverev: He wrote me and I booked the place. We’ve known each other since 2015 when I played in Dallas and he watched. We exchanged numbers and over time we did a few media things together.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: Can you tell that he used to be a decent tennis player when he was young?

Zverev (laughs): You can especially see it in your children. They are six and seven years old and have real talent. They have very good technique, they move great, they are really good. I just hope that they don’t get to 2.20 meters, then it will be difficult. But up to two meters it can be something with tennis.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: Your friend Sophia Thomalla has been with you for weeks in Dubai, now in Australia. How important is that to you?

Zverev: I really did a lot here: fitness training, tennis, worked a lot with my team. Sophia and I sometimes don’t see each other all day. I leave at 8am and come back at 10pm. She completely understands that and knows what I need to play well here and be at my best in my job. She’s very helpful there.

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: Does she stay until the end of the tournament or does she have to go?

Zverev: She doesn’t have to go. But I hope I’ll stay until the end. (laughs)

PICTURE ON SUNDAY: Novak Djokovic, who was unvaccinated a year ago, was greeted enthusiastically here. What do you think?

Zverev: For the Australian Open, for tennis and for sport in general, it is very important that the best is there. I can’t say how Australians feel about themselves. But he makes the tournament a class better.