In a move that has stunned the tennis world, **Alexander Zverev** has sent out a personal and emotional message that no one saw coming. The 28-year-old Olympic gold medalist and two-time Grand Slam finalist took to his social media channels late Monday evening to share what he called “the hardest announcement of my life.”
**“This isn’t about tennis,”** the message began.
**“This is about truth, healing, and the kind of peace I’ve never truly known.”**
The statement, spanning four heartfelt paragraphs, revealed that Zverev will be **taking an indefinite break from professional tennis** to address what he described as “deeply personal battles” and “long-suppressed pain” stemming from both **mental health struggles** and ongoing issues in his private life.
While Zverev has faced media attention in recent years for on-court controversies and legal matters, this message marked the first time he directly acknowledged the emotional toll it has taken.
> “For years, I’ve pushed through matches, tournaments, and pressure, hiding behind the athlete persona. But I’ve come to a point where competing while carrying invisible wounds is not just unfair to myself—it’s dangerous,” he wrote.
He added:
> “Winning matches doesn’t fix broken parts of your soul. And I need to fix mine now.”
Though Zverev didn’t go into specific detail, his message was accompanied by a photo of him sitting on a bench in his hometown of Hamburg, looking reflective, a tennis racket resting on the ground beside him.
### A Mixed Reaction
Reactions from fans and fellow players poured in within minutes.
**Rafael Nadal** commented:
> “Takes strength to fight on court. Takes even more strength to step away. Respect to you, Sascha.”
**Daniil Medvedev**, his longtime rival and friend, tweeted:
> “Take the time you need. The court will be here when you’re ready.”
Others, however, speculated whether the announcement had been timed to coincide with increasing pressure from sponsors and the ATP over his off-court legal issues. Zverev’s team has not commented further on those matters, instead urging media to focus on the core message: **mental wellness and personal growth.**
### Sponsors and ATP Respond
**Adidas** and **Head**, two of Zverev’s primary sponsors, released supportive statements.
> “We stand behind Alexander as he prioritizes his health. True champions are measured not only by trophies, but by their courage,” Adidas stated.
The ATP issued a brief acknowledgment:
> “Alexander Zverev has informed the tour of his temporary withdrawal from competition. We support his decision to focus on his well-being.”
### What Comes Next?
Zverev made it clear this is not a retirement, but a necessary pause.
> “I love tennis. But I’ve learned that loving yourself has to come first. I hope to return when I’m ready—not just to win, but to play with joy again.”
As fans grapple with the unexpected announcement, many are reflecting on the unseen battles elite athletes face behind the spotlight. Whether or not Zverev returns in 2025, one thing is certain: this message changed how the world sees him—not just as a player, but as a person.