Wimbledon No. 3 Zverev Admits Possible Therapy Need After Shock Exit

Alexander Zverev, the third seed at Wimbledon 2025, suffered a shocking first-round defeat to Arthur Rinderknech in a grueling five-set match, marking his earliest Grand Slam exit since 2019. Following the loss, Zverev opened up about his profound mental struggles, describing feelings of emptiness, loneliness, and a lack of joy both on and off the court, which he attributes to ongoing personal and legal challenges, including allegations of domestic abuse that have affected his emotional wellbeing. He acknowledged that tennis itself is not the root of his difficulties but rather broader life issues, and for the first time, he is considering seeking therapy to help cope with his mental health. Zverev reflected on a burnout experienced earlier in the season following a defeat at the Australian Open, which further impacted his confidence and motivation. His candid admissions highlight the intense pressure elite athletes face, compounded by the strain of public scrutiny and unresolved personal matters. The Wimbledon 2025 tournament has been notable for a record number of early upsets, with Zverev among many seeded players unexpectedly eliminated in the opening round.