Aryna Sabalenka, current world number one in tennis, has advised Alexander Zverev to address his mental health before these problems can “destroy him.” Sabalenka shared her own experience, highlighting how talking to a therapist and her family benefited her. Zverev, who holds the third position at Wimbledon, suffered an unexpected defeat against Arthur Rinderknech in five sets on Tuesday. This was his first defeat in the initial round of a Grand Slam since 2019. The 28-year-old German tennis player, who has faced accusations of domestic abuse, admitted after the defeat that he has been dealing with mental problems since the Australian Open. “It’s difficult to find joy outside the tennis court for me at the moment,” he stated.
Zverev added that he felt “very, very alone” and would consider seeking therapy, indicating that “for the first time in my life I will probably need it”. Sabalenka, after her victory in the second round over Marie Bouzkova on Wednesday, revealed that she had a therapist for five years.I’ve been through a lot of difficulties in the media. I’ve been through a lot of difficulties in life in general. I’ve never felt so empty before. I just lack joy, I lack joy in everything I do. It’s not necessarily about tennis. I also lack joy outside of tennis.
Alexander Zverev
Sabalenka also commented that opening up to those close to her and who can accept what she is going through is fundamental. “The moment you start talking about your problems, you start realizing many things. It helps to solve them,” she added. Madison Keys, who had a great performance at the Australian Open in January, talked about how therapy helped her play her best tennis. Keys noted that mental health is being discussed more openly on the circuit.It’s really important to be open and talk about what you’re experiencing, because if you keep it inside, it will simply destroy you. I think that’s something that’s happening to him.
Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka indicated that she no longer needs a therapist and that she often addresses her problems by interacting with her team.I think it’s definitely become more open. I don’t remember it being a topic of conversation. I think more and more players are open to saying, ‘I’m talking to someone.’ I would say there are probably more of us who are talking to someone now than before.
Madison Keys
We always talk a lot… we can talk about anything. I know they won’t judge me or blame me. They will accept it and we will simply overcome it. This is the best advice I can give to Sascha.
Aryna Sabalenka
