'I understand Dominic Thiem, I'm struggling with motivation too,' said Zverev

Alexander Zverev sent support to his colleague and friend Dominic Thiem, who hasn't been able to play lately due to injuries and a lack of motivation caused by bubbles and restrictions.

Alexander passed the second-round obstacle in Munich on Wednesday, admitting he has also struggled to accept the new tennis reality. The players usually can't go anywhere besides their rooms and tennis court, which can be tricky at times. The German didn't feel well in Rotterdam this year, spending time in a room with no fresh air and suffering an early loss to Alexander Bublik.

Read also

'Dominic Thiem needs different approach, his team has to help,' said Boris Becker

Dominic Thiem claimed the US Open title last September and reached the ATP Finals title match in November. Still, the Austrian couldn't repeat that in 2021, dealing with injuries and lack of motivation caused by constant restrictions, empty stands and all the rules and regulations. Thiem has won five matches so far in 2021 and hasn't played since an early loss in Dubai, skipping Miami, Monte Carlo and Belgrade and hoping to get back on track in Madrid.

"We have been in a bubble for nine months. I was freaking out in Rotterdam. We could only stay at the hotel and on the court. There is no fresh air to breathe, and we have no contact with the outside world. I understand Dominic Thiem completely, and I have been struggling with motivation too," Alexander Zverev said.