Germany’s tennis star Alexander Zverev has reportedly played
with holes in his toenails during the Australian Open 2024.
The journey for the world number six in the first Grand Slam
of the year came to an end as he suffered a heartbreak defeat to the world number
three Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, despite winning the first two sets with a score
of 6-7, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3 on Friday.
According to a report, Zverev has played the whole tournament
with holes in his toenails. He admitted that while talking to the media ahead
of the semifinal clash.
“I have a lot of blood under my toenails so that's quite
painful,” he said. “I take them out every single match but then obviously when
you're playing and running a lot, they came back.
“You know what, I would much rather feel the way I'm feeling
right now with maybe a bit of pain here and there and be in the semi-finals,
rather than be at home right now and watching the tournament.”
Zverev’s brother Mischa also admitted that his brother is
dealing with pain in order to get the ultimate prize in Melbourne.
“We saw he was practising, no issues he was moving well,” he
said. “It's not really blistered, there is just blood underneath the toenail. We
had to put a little hole in the toenail so that the blood and the fluids come
out and now he's actually playing with holes in his toenails.
“We are trying to make sure that there are not too many
fluids that can gather under the toenails so we have to release the pressure
and tape it up but he is looking good so he should be ready.”