Alexander Zverev is battling more than just his opponents at Wimbledon — he is also contending with a troublesome grass allergy. The pristine lawns of SW19 have been wreaking havoc with the No. 2 seed's sinuses as he chases back-to-back Grand Slam titles following his maiden major victory at Roland Garros in June.
Zverev Opens Up About Grass Allergy
Zverev disclosed his grass allergy in the build-up to this year's Championships. "I feel super. It is just a problem that we play on grass and I have a grass allergy," he revealed after sneezing. "I have it every year." Despite the discomfort, he downplayed its impact on his game. "I have a bit of a stuffed nose. Again, I will not die from it. It doesn't affect me playing. I'm fine," Zverev said.
Contrasting Fortunes at Wimbledon
For a man who struggles with the surface, Zverev spends a great deal of time on it. He regularly finds the early rounds at SW19 tough going and is no stranger to a first-week five-setter. Last year, he suffered a shock five-set defeat to Arthur Rinderknech in the opening round. But this year tells a different story. The 27-year-old is brimming with confidence, having defeated Alexander Blockx in four sets on Tuesday and dispatching Valentin Royer in straight sets on Thursday.
Draw Opens Up for Zverev
With Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner positioned in the other half, the draw has opened up considerably for Zverev — provided he can keep his allergies under control. "I think generally speaking you can't compare the two years. Last year I was struggling a lot tennis-wise. Also, I was not playing really well. This year I'm coming in as Roland Garros champion. I think the mindset is just very different, playing-wise very different. Of course I hope to continue my good form," Zverev added.
Zverev's Grass Allergy: A Recurring Issue
Zverev has acknowledged that his grass allergy is a recurring issue every year. However, his recent form on grass has been encouraging. After winning his first Grand Slam at the French Open, he is looking to add a Wimbledon title to his resume. The German star's ability to manage his allergy could be a key factor in his pursuit of back-to-back major titles.
