Alexander Zverev’s 2024 season has been a tale of resilience, marked by both remarkable victories and persistent physical setbacks. The grim memory of his 2022 French Open injury still haunts him—when, during a fierce semifinal against Rafael Nadal, Zverev slipped and tore three ligaments in his right ankle, forcing an emotional exit from the tournament. Now, two years later, injury woes continue to plague the German star. Despite suffering a knee injury at Wimbledon and battling pneumonia, Zverev remains determined to keep pushing through.
Speaking candidly at the Players Party ahead of the Shanghai Masters, Zverev acknowledged the toll that his physical condition has taken on him. “I still feel like I’m perhaps a little more tired than usual,” Zverev admitted. “But either I’m ending my season now – or I’m playing as well as I can. I have to take care of my health first so that I can compete again as soon as possible.” With the season nearing its end and his body not at full strength, the German faces a tough balancing act between rest and competing at his highest level.
Despite not being 100% fit, Zverev has decided to compete in Shanghai, determined to give his all while managing his recovery. “It’s nothing that will delay the recovery or will make it worse if I play, that’s what the doctor said, and that’s why I’m here. I’m happy to give 100 percent of what I have,” Zverev shared, displaying his commitment to finishing the season strong, even amid physical adversity.
Adding to his challenges, Zverev suffered a health scare after Team Europe’s Laver Cup win, revealing that he had been hospitalized due to pneumonia and a lung inflammation. “I have an inflammation in my lung that’s going to take a few months, it’s going to take about two, three months to be completely gone,” Zverev explained, just ahead of his Shanghai Masters campaign. This latest setback compounded his already difficult season, but Zverev remains undeterred, opting to play in Shanghai after skipping the China Open in Beijing.
Despite the obstacles, Zverev has set a lofty goal for himself: finishing the year as the world’s No. 2 player. Currently sitting third in the ATP rankings, just behind Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev trails the Spaniard by a mere 305 points. After a consistent 2024 season that included a Rome Masters title, the 26-year-old German star is focused on closing that gap.
“For me personally, it would be great especially to finish the year as number two in the world. Carlos is playing great tennis right now, he’s in Beijing making up points, and I know that I have to be at my best to achieve that goal,” Zverev said, signaling his intent to mount a strong push in the closing weeks of the season. Alcaraz recently overtook Zverev after winning the China Open, but Zverev believes a good showing at the Shanghai Masters could help him reclaim the second spot.
Zverev’s path forward won’t be easy, especially given his physical condition, but his determination to push through has been evident. He already made a confident start in Shanghai, advancing to the third round after defeating Mattia Bellucci. With the tournament underway, Zverev has a chance to make up critical points, and all eyes are on whether he can stay healthy enough to challenge Alcaraz and finish the season on a high note.
As Zverev continues to fight through injury and illness, the question remains: Can he achieve his goal of ending the season as the world’s No. 2 player? While the odds may seem steep, his resilience and fighting spirit have shown that anything is possible.
