Zverev’s Wimbledon 2025 Exit: A Candid Admission of Loneliness and Lost Joy
BERLIN, 21 January 2026 – Six months on from a stunning early exit at the All England Club, the candid post-match reflections of German tennis star Alexander Zverev continue to resonate. The world number three suffered his earliest Grand Slam defeat since 2019, falling to France’s Arthur Rinderknech in a dramatic five-set first-round match at Wimbledon in July 2025. In a raw press conference, Zverev revealed a profound sense of emptiness, stating he was “lacking joy in everything” and felt “very, very alone.”
The Shocking Defeat on Centre Court
The third-seeded Zverev entered his first-round match as the heavy favourite against the 72nd-ranked Rinderknech. The contest, which spanned two days due to Wimbledon’s 11 p.m. curfew, was a gruelling four-hour and 44-minute battle. Despite saving multiple set points and fighting back to win the fourth-set tiebreak, Zverev was broken early in the decisive fifth set and could not recover, ultimately falling 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4. Notably, he failed to convert any of his nine break point opportunities against Rinderknech’s formidable serve.
Key Facts: Wimbledon 2025 First Round
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | 1 July 2025 |
| Winner | Arthur Rinderknech (FRA), World No. 72 |
| Score | 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4 |
| Duration | 4 hours, 44 minutes |
| Zverev’s Break Points | 0/9 converted |
| Prior Grand Slam First-Round Loss | Wimbledon 2019 |
“I’ve Never Felt This Empty Before”
Beyond the statistics, it was Zverev’s emotional assessment that captured global attention. “I’ve never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy, just lacking joy in everything that I do,” the 28-year-old confessed. He explicitly separated his struggles from tennis itself, suggesting a deeper, personal challenge. “It’s not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis, as well… I feel very alone out there at times. I struggle mentally.” In a significant admission, Zverev stated that for the first time in his career, he would probably need to work with a mental coach.
Context and Aftermath
The defeat at Wimbledon marked a low point in what had been an inconsistent season for the German, despite a strong start that included a runner-up finish at the Australian Open and a title at the BMW Open in Munich. At the time of the loss, he held a 35-14 season record and remained in a strong position to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals. The loss to Rinderknech was his earliest at a major in six years, echoing a similar first-round exit at the All England Club in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Alexander Zverev lose at Wimbledon 2025?
Alexander Zverev was defeated in the first round of Wimbledon on 1 July 2025. The match was played over two days, concluding on Tuesday, 1 July.
Who did Alexander Zverev lose to?
He lost to Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, who was ranked 72nd in the world at the time. It was Rinderknech’s first career victory over a top-five opponent.
What did Zverev say after the match?
Zverev gave a remarkably candid press conference, stating he felt “empty” and was “lacking joy in everything.” He admitted to struggling mentally and feeling “very, very alone,” suggesting his issues extended beyond the tennis court.
Has Zverev won a Grand Slam title?
As of January 2026, Alexander Zverev has not won a Grand Slam singles title. He has been a finalist on three occasions: the 2020 US Open, the 2022 French Open, and the 2025 Australian Open.