Alexander Zverev says his recovery from an ankle injury is progressing well but he is still unable to set out a timeline as to when he will be able to return to competitive tennis.
The world No.2 hasn’t played a match since taking a nasty tumble during his semi-final clash with Rafael Nadal at the French Open last month. The 25-year-old went over his right ankle and a medical assessment found that he had torn multiple lateral ligaments. Shortly after sustaining the injury, Zverev underwent surgery to repair the damage.
During an interview with Eurosport earlier this week, Zverev said his recovery is going ‘very well’ but he is still unsure of when he will be able to play on the Tour. Prior to his injury, he had recorded a win-loss record of 29-10 this year with runs to the finals of the Madrid Masters and Montpellier Open.
“The healing process is going very well,” said Zverev.
“I’m making important progress every day and I’m looking forward to the next tasks that will bring me closer and closer to the tennis court.
“An exact date for a comeback hasn’t been set yet, but I’m working every day to make sure it happens as soon as possible.”
Part of Zverev’s recovery program includes sprint exercises in the water, training sessions on a treadmill and also work on an exercise bike. He has been documenting some of his rehab process on social media.
However, he is keen to avoid the risk of returning back to action too soon and hurting his ankle once again.
“There are always dangers in professional sport, and even in everyday life you are exposed to dangers. My team and I work highly concentrated every day so that there are no problems. Of course, you want to train as much as possible, but you can’t overdo it,” Zverev explains.
“I have to listen very carefully to my body and know when I have reached my limits. I’m used to getting the maximum out of myself almost every day, whether in training or matches. Exceeding it now could be counterproductive.”
It remains to be seen if Zverev will be fit in time to take part in the US Open which will begin during the last week of August. He has played at the Grand Slam every year since making his debut in the qualifying tournament back in 2014. New York is also the only major where he has reached the final. In the 2020 title match he led Dominic Thiem by two sets before losing in five. Thiem is also on the comback from injury after being hampered by a right wrist problem.
“I get on very well with Dominic Thiem and we are always in contact. We both want to find our top form again because I still have a score to settle from our last Grand Slam match.” He joked.
Zverev has won 19 ATP tiles so far in his career.
