Zverev rolls the dice on fitness for Hamburg

Alexander Zverev hopes that his third-round Wimbledon leg injury will have healed in time for a planned Tuesday start as top seed at his home ATP 500 event in Hamburg.

The world No. 4 is planning to use the clay buildup to the defence of his Tokyo Olympic title when the Games begin in Paris on July 26.

Zverev is suffering with a bone marrow oedema and a capsule strain in his knee due to a tumble on the slick grass in London.

“I’m doing everything I can to be on court on Tuesday. Today (Saturday) was the first time I was able to complete a decent two-hour training session. 

“I still have a few restrictions, but I’m doing everything I can to be ready.”  

 The German said that while his pain is gone, “I can still feel something, but I’m confident that it will get better. 

“Three days ago, I could barely walk. Now I can already train on the pitch. If it continues to develop like this, then I hope to be successful on the court.”

Zverev will open against a qualifier at the Rothenbaum club where he won the title a year ago.

As it is his home event, Zverev and other relatives are staying in the family home, a change of pace from Tour hotel life.

“Hamburg is something special for me, my home. I started my career here. I want to celebrate many more great moments here and be the defending champion on the court.

“Of course I’m staying with everyone at my parents’ house. Being together in the house is and will be a great atmosphere and I’m generally really enjoying my time here in Hamburg.” 

Main photo:- Alexander Zverev won Hamburg in 2023