Alexander Zverev has to take a forced break after his injury at the French Open and therefore misses the classic Wimbledon lawn. Former professional Tommy Haas knows the situation in which Germany’s tennis star is currently and gives the native of Hamburg a tip for the future.
When the score was 6: 7, 6: 6, a loud scream echoed across the Philippe-Chatrier court during the semifinals of the French Open last Friday: Alexander Zverev fell to the ground after an intensive rally against Rafael Nadal. It quickly became clear that the 25-year-old had been seriously injured. The encounter against the Spanish clay court king was over.
It is now clear that Zverev will be out for several weeks due to three torn outer ligaments in his right ankle. Participation in Wimbledon is practically impossible.
Tommy Haas can put himself in Zverev’s position. In 2005, the former tennis pro suffered a ligament injury during the impact phase at Wimbledon after accidentally stepping on a ball. “It was extremely unfortunate. It was the first time that happened to me in a match,” said the 44-year-old in an interview with “Eurosport” return.
Haas advises Zverev to tape
“But I had other torn ligaments, of a comparable magnitude to Sascha Zverev’s now,” Haas continued. As a consequence, the Hamburger then played taped. “Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have been doing that for many years anyway,” said the former number two in the world tennis rankings.
Hass would also advise Zverev on this: “Alex would have to see to what extent he feels comfortable with a taped foot in the match. The doctors did their job during the operation, now it’s up to Sascha and his team, the joint and the ligaments step by step step up.”
Haas expects Zverev’s return to the ATP tour to be a “mental matter”. “Even if everything is restored, it takes time for you to regain security and confidence,” said the ex-player. Therefore, above all, “patience” is required, according to Haas.