In a disappointing turn for German tennis star Alexander Zverev, the world number three has revealed a fresh injury setback during his appearance at the 2025 Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The exhibition tournament, featuring an elite lineup of top players, saw Zverev exit in the quarter-finals after a straight-sets defeat, but it was his post-match comments that highlighted ongoing physical struggles that have plagued his season.
Zverev, who faced American Taylor Fritz in his opening match, appeared hampered throughout the contest, ultimately falling 6-3, 6-4 in just under an hour. Observers noted his discomfort, particularly with his right shoulder, which seemed to affect his serve and groundstrokes. Speaking after the loss, Zverev confirmed the issue arose unexpectedly during warm-up. "This year has been difficult physically; I've had a lot of problems, a lot of injuries. Unfortunately, I have another one today," he said. "I had this shoulder injury problem today, which was unfortunate because I'd been training really well the last few days. It happened during the warm-up, so it was a bit unlucky for me." He added that he would need to consult with his team and physiotherapist to assess the extent of the damage and determine a recovery timeline, emphasizing the brutal demands of professional tennis on the body.
This new shoulder ailment comes on the heels of a challenging year for the 28-year-old, who has been battling persistent back issues since the Australian Open in January. Zverev has openly discussed how these problems have eroded his confidence, leading to inconsistent performances. In a recent interview, he admitted, "The last time I played without pain was at the Australian Open. It's been a really tough year physically, the back problems don't stop. I'm in a real fight against myself because I have enormous distrust in my game." His form has suffered as a result, with early exits in several tournaments and a notable struggle against lower-ranked opponents.
The Six Kings Slam itself has been marred by injury concerns among its star-studded field, which includes Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Fritz, and Stefanos Tsitsipas. Many arrived in Riyadh nursing various ailments: Alcaraz had withdrawn from the Shanghai Masters due to an ankle issue, Sinner retired mid-tournament in Shanghai, and Djokovic has been managing his own fitness challenges. Tsitsipas, like Zverev, pulled out of Shanghai with an injury, turning the event into what some fans have dubbed the "Injury Kings Slam." Despite the high stakes and lucrative prize money—the tournament boasts a massive purse, with even quarter-final losers like Zverev earning around $1.5 million—the on-court product on day one drew criticism for lackluster play.
Zverev's quick defeat equated to an eye-watering $25,000 per minute on court, sparking mockery online and in media circles. While the financial reward softens the blow, it underscores the exhibition's emphasis on star power over competitive intensity. For Zverev, however, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation as the season winds down. With the ATP Finals and preparations for 2026 looming, this latest injury adds uncertainty to his path back to peak form. Tennis fans will hope the Hamburg native can overcome these hurdles, as his talent has long positioned him as a contender for major titles when healthy.
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