Alexander Zverev is battling more than just opponents at the US Open! Despite winning his opening match, the German star revealed he’s still grappling with persistent back pain. Can Zverev overcome this physical challenge and finally claim his first Grand Slam title? Find out what he had to say!

Alexander Zverev, a formidable presence on the tennis circuit, has openly addressed his ongoing struggle with back pain, a revelation that casts a shadow over his otherwise promising campaign at the US Open. Despite securing a hard-fought victory in his opening match, the German powerhouse admitted the discomfort persists, raising questions about his physical readiness as he pursues his elusive maiden Grand Slam title in New York.

The former World No. 2 has reportedly been contending with this debilitating back issue for two months, frequently relying on painkillers to remain competitive on tour. The severity of the pain escalated significantly during the Cincinnati Open, where Zverev showcased remarkable resilience to reach the semi-finals before succumbing to a physically demanding encounter under humid conditions, further exacerbating his condition.

Kicking off his US Open journey, Zverev delivered a mixed performance against Chilean star Alejandro Tabilo. He dominated the first set convincingly but experienced a noticeable dip in the second, forcing him into a tiebreak. Demonstrating his characteristic grit, he managed to overcome Tabilo in a closely contested battle, before finding renewed focus and power in the third set, securing the win.

Zverev’s career has been marked by agonizing near-misses at major tournaments, having reached the French Open final in 2024 and the Australian Open final seven months later, only to fall short. These experiences underscore the immense physical demands of Grand Slam tennis, where peak fitness is paramount, especially when facing top-ranked opponents in the latter stages of a tournament.

In a candid on-court interview, Zverev directly addressed the persistent nature of his back ailment, stating, “Yes, my brother always knows everything better. No, I still have back pain. That won’t change in the next two weeks.” This frank admission contradicts earlier suggestions of his recovery and highlights the formidable physical challenge he faces throughout the arduous two-week tournament.

Prior to the US Open, Zverev had been in commendable form since his early exit from Wimbledon. His strong showings included reaching the semi-finals of both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open, testament to his consistent performance. He currently boasts an impressive 43-16 win-loss record on tour this season, with his sole title coming from the Munich Open in April.

As Zverev progresses to the second round, he is slated to face British star Daniel Fearnley, who secured his spot by overcoming his first-round opponent in four sets. While Zverev holds a favorable 2-0 head-to-head record against Fearnley, including a decisive victory in Miami, the lingering back pain could introduce an unpredictable element into their upcoming encounter, requiring him to manage his physical state meticulously.

The journey through a Grand Slam is notoriously gruelling, testing athletes both physically and mentally. For Zverev, the added burden of a chronic back issue transforms each match into a testament of endurance and pain management. His ability to navigate this challenge will be critical in determining whether he can sustain his performance deep into the tournament and contend for the championship.

Ultimately, Alexander Zverev’s candor about his back pain provides a compelling narrative for his US Open bid. It underscores the immense pressure and physical toll elite tennis exacts, and his resolve to compete despite discomfort will undoubtedly be a central theme as fans eagerly watch to see if he can defy the odds and lift his first major trophy.