'Not happy': Alexander Zverev's bold admission after controversy
Tennis world No.3 Alexander Zverev has opened up about his struggles with depression in recent months as he pursues a grand slam breakthrough at the French Open.
Zverev has become a controversial figure in world tennis over the past two years, thanks largely to an ATP investigation into allegations of domestic violence levelled against him by former partner Olga Sharypova.
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The 25-year-old has frequently shown signs that his frustrations are getting the better of him, culminating in an alarming incident after a doubles match at the Mexican Open earlier this year.
Unhappy with the umpire's calls to close out the match, a furious Zverev approached the chair afterwards and proceeded to smash his racquet against it, destroying it.
He was subsequently fined by the ATP and booted out of the tournament, but somehow managed to avoid a suspension for the shocking act.
Zverev seems on the right track at the French Open, despite being booed by fans after dropping the first two sets against second-round opponent Sebastian Baez on Thursday.
He was able to rally back, but after the match Zverev admitted being in the spotlight could take its toll.
“My mental health depends on other problems I have, to be honest. I never talk about it," he said.
"I think some players talk about it more often, and more open. I don't like to do that, but I was struggling a lot this year.
“So, yeah, not because of social media. I was struggling a lot because of other things, so I was not happy.
“I think I was quite depressed at times, as well. So, yeah. It's all a big part. I think the pressure we are under, we are constantly in a spotlight.”
Alexander Zverev admits mental health battle after French Open comeback
The German survived a late fightback from the World No.36 and screamed with relief when Baez sent a forehand wide on match point.
Zverev eventually won in five sets, 2-6 4-6 6-1 6-2 7-5, but said he "couldn't have played worse at the beginning".
Fans expressed their displeasure towards Zverev during the second set as the World No.3 appeared to be melting down.
After double-faulting in the opening game to hand Baez a break of serve, Zverev angrily remonstrated with his entourage in a fiery outburst.
The notoriously fickle French Open crowd weren't impressed by Zverev's actions, loudly booing and jeering the German star.
Zverev staged an incredible comeback to advance to the third round, admitting he was already thinking about his exit when he was two sets down.
"I'm happy still being in the tournament right now," he said.
"I was planning my holiday in Monaco, where I was going to go and who I was going to go with and that relaxed me, thinking about the beach.
"You just have to find a way."
It was the third comeback from a two-set deficit in Zverev's career.
He trailed fellow German Oscar Otte in the opening round at Roland Garros in 2021 before his run to the last four.
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