China Open off for Zverev: Withdraws from China Open following Laver Cup physical struggles

Alexander Zverev has withdrawn from the China Open after experiencing physical issues at the Laver Cup. The German player was crucial on the final day in Berlin, securing a victory over Frances Tiafoe after coming back from a set down and a break against him in the second set.

The world No. 2 staged a great comeback to clinch the win 6-7(5), 7-5, [10-5], keeping Team Europe in contention until the last match, where Carlos Alcaraz defeated Taylor Fritz, securing the fifth title for the Europeans.

On Saturday, he took to the court for the second day against Fritz but fell 4-6, 5-7 in a match where he struggled to breathe during the second set. The world No. 2 had to inject insulin mid-match, as he has done several times throughout his career, given that Zverev has had diabetes since childhood. Nonetheless, the two-time Grand Slam runner-up managed to finish the match and returned to the court on Sunday to rally against Tiafoe.

Recently, it was announced that Zverev will skip the China Open, which begins on 26th September, and will return to action at the Shanghai Masters the following week. The 27-year-old player criticised the tight schedule on the Tour over the weekend, highlighting the constant injuries players face due to limited rest weeks.

Zverev has played the most matches this season, with a total of 75 (record 57-18), securing the title at the Rome Open and reaching the final at the French Open among his top results. He also decided not to participate in the Davis Cup Finals after Germany presented its team without his name included.