Alexander Zverev admits comeback date ‘hasn’t been set yet’ as he gives insight on rehab process

Tennis News
Alexander Zverev in action

Alexander Zverev has revealed that the “healing process” from the ankle injury he suffered in June is “going very well”, but he is still unsure when he will return to action.

The 25-year-old was on a fine run at Roland Garros as he reached the semi-finals when disaster struck. The German was giving as good as he got during his encounter against Rafael Nadal when he slipped and collapsed to the ground in agony after twisting his right ankle.

He left the court in a wheelchair, but returned on crutches to confirm his retirement from the match. Scans later confirmed that tore several ligaments and was forced to undergo surgery.

There had been talk that Zverev could return ahead of the US Open, but his comeback date remains up in the air.

“The healing process is going very well,” the world No 2 told Eurosport in an interview.

“I’m making important progress every day and I’m looking forward to the next tasks that will bring me closer and closer to the tennis court.

“An exact date for a comeback hasn’t been set yet, but I’m working every day to make sure it happens as soon as possible.”

Zverev has given his fans plenty of updates his recovery process on social media and last week revealed that he is walking without crutches.

But what exactly does the rehabilitation process entail?

“The days are very long,” he said. “You start very early and finish in the evening. We do a lot of exercises, there are always new ones that are added permanently.

“The foot is treated, mobility is worked out, strength and stability are rebuilt. In some cases, normal walking and running are re-learned. I do sprint exercises in the water, training sessions on the treadmill and bicycle.”

And while he hopes to return to action as soon as possible, Zverev knows that pushing his body too far will lead to long-term damage.

“There are always dangers in professional sport, and even in everyday life you are exposed to dangers,” he said. “My team and I work highly concentrated every day so that there are no problems. Of course, you want to train as much as possible, but you can’t overdo it.

“I have to listen very carefully to my body and know when I have reached my limits. I’m used to getting the maximum out of myself almost every day, whether in training or matches. Exceeding it now could be counterproductive.”

Alexander Zverev

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