Adidas sparks questions by leaving Alexander Zverev out of US Open player yearbook

Monday, 31 August 2026 at 06:30

Alexander Zverev holding the Roland Garros trophy

Adidas has raised eyebrows ahead of the 2026 US Open after publishing a yearbook featuring 26 of its tennis players competing at Flushing Meadows — with one particularly notable name missing. Alexander Zverev, the highest-ranked player in the Adidas tennis stable and the No. 1 seed in New York, does not appear in the promotional post.

The omission has already sparked speculation on social media, with tennis fans questioning why the German was left out of a campaign designed to showcase the brand's US Open players. Given Zverev's profile within Adidas and his position at the top of the men's draw, his absence is certainly noticeable.

However, there is no evidence at this stage that the omission signals a problem between Zverev and Adidas. In fact, the brand has explicitly confirmed that Zverev is one of the players set to wear its New York Collection during the US Open, alongside names including Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jessica Pegula, Jakub Mensik, Linda Noskova, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Elina Svitolina.

That leaves several perfectly ordinary explanations. Zverev may simply not have been available for the particular photoshoot used for the yearbook, he could have separate promotional obligations, or Adidas could be holding his appearance back for a different US Open activation. Social media speculation has already centred on the possibility that the German was unavailable when the content was produced.

Well well well:

adidas Tennis posted a yearbook of *26* of their players competing in the US Open on Instagram...

Noticeably missing is their highest-ranked player, Alexander Zverev, which feels quite intentional. pic.twitter.com/IoGm6D1HQs
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) August 30, 2026

Zverev's Adidas relationship goes back a decade

Zverev has been an Adidas athlete since February 2016, when he signed a head-to-toe sponsorship agreement with the German sportswear giant as an 18-year-old rising star.

The partnership has continued through every major stage of his career, including his breakthrough into the top 10, his rise to world No. 2 and, this season, his first Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

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Adidas has also given Zverev considerable attention around his biggest tournaments in 2026. His Roland Garros campaign was supported by customized apparel, while Wimbledon featured a dedicated London collection and a custom jacket for the final against Jannik Sinner.

The German's US Open equipment has also been planned well in advance. Adidas' official announcement for its 2026 New York Collection specifically names Zverev among the players who will wear it on court. The collection draws on 1990s New York tennis and Y2K sports culture while incorporating the company's CLIMACOOL technology.

Custom jacket by adidas for Alexander Zverev 🤍#wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Owx6ApIZm2
— szg (@saschashoulders) June 30, 2026

Why is Zverev missing from the yearbook?

For now, that remains unanswered.

The timing makes the omission interesting because Zverev enters the US Open as the top seed after winning Roland Garros and reaching the Wimbledon final. He is also one of Adidas' most recognizable tennis players and has been closely associated with the company for more than 10 years.

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But the absence from one social-media graphic should not be confused with evidence of a breakdown in the relationship. Adidas continues to list Zverev among its athletes, and its own US Open announcement confirms that he has a dedicated role in the New York Collection.

For now, the Adidas yearbook has simply created a curious question around one of the biggest names in its US Open lineup. Whether Zverev was unavailable for the shoot, has a separate campaign coming, or Adidas is simply saving his appearance for a larger promotional moment remains to be seen.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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