Zverev overcomes the enigma of his persistent cough.
At significant Grand Slam events, Alexander Zverev has frequently been on the brink of securing the coveted victory. However, his body has typically fallen short of achieving the goal – but this time in New York, he doesn't want to be hindered. Despite resurfacing health troubles.
Coughing fitfully into his left fist, even during his pre-match prep in the sweltering heat of New York, the Olympic champion's recent health concerns didn't completely disappear before the onset of the US Open. Yet, the 2020 finalist appears geared up for another shot at his long-overdue first Grand Slam victory. "If I can play at my best and stay focused, I'll get my opportunities," Zverev declared before his German showdown with Davis Cup partner Maximilian Marterer on Monday. "I'm still coughing, but otherwise, I'm doing fine."
Struggles with Body and Health
This was far from the norm in recent times. Zverev bowed out in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics, citing dizziness and observing multiple balls occasionally. He also encountered difficulty in the subsequent loss in Montreal, coughing heavily. Blood tests, according to Zverev, did not provide any answers regarding the cause of his symptoms. "I haven't a clue what it is. Some values were extremely low, and my body was drained," the world number four admitted. "I wasn't ill, it wasn't COVID, I was extremely tired, extremely exhausted."
Improved Performance
However, Zverev's results graph revealed a steady rise in his performance following his tight semifinal loss to Italian Jannik Sinner at the Cincinnati Masters 1000 tournament. Nevertheless, throughout his career, Zverev's physique has often thwarted him in his pursuit of his initial title at one of the four landmark tournaments. This has occurred on numerous occasions since his recovery from a severe ankle injury in the summer of 2022.
Last year, he sustained an injury to his thigh prior to the French Open semifinal against Casper Ruud of Norway. At the US Open, he also suffered a muscular injury after exhausting quarterfinals matches against Spanish Carlos Alcaraz and failed to mount a challenge. At the beginning of this season, Zverev had a fever prior to his semifinal against Russian Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open.
Will Zverev remain an unfulfilled promise at Grand Slams?
His second Grand Slam final appearance this summer in Paris culminated in a five-set loss to 21-year-old Alcaraz. Will Zverev remain an unrealized potential at Grand Slams in the face of the burgeoning next generation? At least two distinguished legends believe that the gold medalist of the Tokyo Olympics can clinch the major victory over three sets. "He has the skills to win a Grand Slam," Swedish legend Björn Borg, who bagged the title 11 times, commented. "He's mentally stronger, has more self-confidence. He can win on any surface."
And American legend John McEnroe also admires him. "What impresses me most is his serve," said the 65-year-old. "I've never seen a player hit a serve as hard as him and possess such powerful ground strokes." Zverev displayed this during his training session against Russian Karen Khachanov on the kids' day at the US Open. There, he aims to convert the missed opportunities from previous Grand Slams into motivation: "The experiences I've had this year are stuck in the back of my mind, but as positive ones. Because I feel like I'm very, very close."
Despite his recent health concerns, including frequent coughing fits and dizziness, Zverev is determined to overcome these challenges and secure his first Grand Slam victory at the US Open. Previously, his body and health issues have hindered his performances in Grand Slam tournaments, leading to early exits and missed opportunities.
