Zverev says Gstaad: Does the tennis star fight with psychological problems?

Zverev says Gstaad: Does the tennis star fight with psychological problems?

Gstaad, Schweiz - Alexander Zverev canceled his participation in the upcoming ATP tournament in Gstaad, whereby he failed for personal reasons, as the organizers of the tournament say. The clay court tournament begins next Monday, and the 28-year-old tennis player recently got in the headlines after his early departure at Wimbledon. In this context, Zverev openly spoke about his mental problems and reports that he is currently at an emotional low point. According to Laola1 he has difficulty finding, and is considering professional support, professional support take.

Zverev has announced that it will take a break in the coming weeks to work on his mental health. He said that something has to change in him that does not only have to do with tennis. This is particularly noteworthy because many athletes have to fight with similar challenges. According to ZDF Zverev makes it clear that he has been looking for ways since the Australian Open to get out of his emotional deep. He has the feeling that he is pretty alone and is considering therapy.

mental health in sport

The challenges that Zverev describes are not atypical for competitive athletes. Sports psychologist Marion Sulprizio emphasizes that mental disorders, such as depression, are widespread in competitive sports. About 13-20% of competitive athletes develop depression in the course of their lives, which is roughly the rate in the normal population. Zverev's statements could have been reinforced by the emotional stress after its defeat at Wimbledon. Nevertheless, he shows willingness to talk about his problems and to consider inevitable therapeutic support, which is considered a positive step by many experts.

The importance of mental health in sport is increasingly recognized, but it is often affected with stigmatization. Many athletes feel under high pressure to succeed and are often exposed to strong stress in public perception. According to Sportärzt-zeitung , the interdisciplinary work and research in sports psychology is still in its infancy and outdated assumptions are often found among trainers and doctors.

Despite these obstacles, Zverev has recently emphasized positive aspects. He organized a tennis tournament in Tyrol, which served a good cause and also took part in football players Mats Hummels. Zverev plans to play again at the Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto at the end of July and it can be hoped that he will find the necessary answers to his current challenges until then.

dealing with mental health in top sport requires comprehensive and holistic support. It is crucial to inform athletes about the availability of support to prevent mental illnesses such as depression, burnout and anxiety disorders. Regular screenings and open discussions about mental health could help athletes, as well as Zverev, to find their way back.