Aryna Sabalenka has offered heartfelt advice to fellow tennis star Alexander Zverev following his candid admission of emotional turmoil after a first-round loss at Wimbledon. Zverev, currently ranked world No. 3, revealed he has been feeling “empty” and “very alone,” expressing a lack of joy both on and off the court. His remarks sparked concern across the tennis world, prompting Sabalenka to share her perspective on coping with mental health challenges.

Speaking after her own match at Wimbledon, Sabalenka reflected on her past experience with therapy and emphasized the importance of open communication. “I had a therapist for like five years,” she said, noting that she stopped in 2022 because she found strength in speaking with her team and family. She expressed surprise at Zverev’s feelings, especially given his close-knit support system, which includes his father and brother.

Sabalenka urged Zverev to lean on those around him, saying, “If you’re gonna keep it inside, it’s just gonna destroy you. I think he needs to open up to whoever is close to him.” She believes that sharing one’s thoughts with trusted people can be a powerful step toward healing. “The moment you start to talk about your problems, you start realizing a lot of things. It helps to solve them,” she added.

This is what she said: 

“I had a therapist for like 5 years. I stopped working maybe in 2022. It’s actually crazy to hear from someone like Alexander because he surrounded himself with the family. I think it’s really important to talk openly about whatever you’re dealing with.

Especially if you have your family, you can say whatever you feel to your family. It’s really important to be open and talk about whatever you’re experiencing. If you’re gonna keep it inside, it’s just gonna destroy you. I think that’s something that’s happening to him. I think he just needs to open up to whoever is close to him.

Family is the best.. people who can accept whatever you’re dealing with. The moment you start to talk about your problems, you start realizing a lot of things. It helps to solve them. I think he just has to be a bit more open. Not only to himself but open to his family, team, so everyone is aware of what’s going on through his mind. That’s the most important. Me, with my team, we always talk a lot. That’s why I don’t need a therapist.

I have my team. We talk about whatever. I know they’re not gonna judge me. They’re not gonna blame me. They’re just gonna accept it and we’re gonna work through. This is the best advice I can give to Sascha.”

Her message was clear: emotional isolation can be damaging, and vulnerability with loved ones can be a lifeline. Sabalenka’s words resonated not only with Zverev but with many in the tennis community who understand the pressures of life on tour. As she continues her Wimbledon campaign, her support for Zverev highlights the growing awareness and dialogue around mental health in professional sports.

Alexander Zverev in 2025

At the moment ranked no.3, the German played his last match on the 1^st of January 1970 when he was defeated by world no.72 Arthur Rinderknech 7-6(3) 6-7(8) 6-3 6-7(5) 6-4 in the 1^st round in Wimbledon (draw).

Until now, during this year Zverev has managed to achieve a compiled 35-14 record. The German has won 1 title in Munich. The German reached the final at the Australian Open and Stuttgart.

Sabalenka in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025

Currently ranked no.1, Aryna has managed to achieve a 44-8 record in 2025. The Belarussian is currently having a run in Wimbledon where she overcame the world no.194 Carson Branstine 6-1 7-5 and the world no.48 Marie Bouzkova 7-6(4) 6-4.

Aryna Sabalenka will play the world no.40 Emma Raducanu in the 3^rd round. Their head to head is 1-0 for Sabalenka.

The Belarussian conquered 3 titles in 2025 in Brisbane, Miami and Madrid. Sabalenka was the finalist at the Australian Open, in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open), in Stuttgart (Porsche Tennis Grand Prix) and at the French Open.

Aryna won 20 titles in her career: 15 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)

Source link