After his early exit from Wimbledon, Alexander Zverev speaks openly about mental problems.

Alexander Zverev surprised the tennis world, including his brother and manager Mischa, with his open statements about mental health issues and possible therapy. After his first-round exit at the grass-court Wimbledon, the world number three spoke of feeling "very, very alone" in life and missing joy off the court.

"It's a feeling that you go to bed and you're not really motivated for the next day," said the 28-year-old. "You don't feel like waking up and going to work. I think everyone has that feeling, no matter what job you have. As an athlete, it really affects your performance."

Zverev spoke at a press conference two hours after his five-set loss to Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech. Asked whether he needed therapy, the 28-year-old replied that this might be the first time in his life that he had ever felt so empty. "Something inside me has to change, something that isn't necessarily on the tennis court." He hopes to provide further answers about what he will do at the Masters 1000 tournament in Toronto, Canada, at the end of July.

The person who makes him happiest in life is his daughter Mayla, Zverev said. "But she's four. Normally it has to be the other way around: I have to give her energy, I have to make her happy, and not the other way around. That can't be it."

Zverev's ten-year-older brother Mischa saw some of these statements for the first time late that evening as a Prime Video expert. "There were no indications of anything major; I also learn a lot of things from you," said the former professional.

Mischa Zverev reported that they had already spoken after the match. "We talked about various things, including positive ones, including the match. We talked about fun things we can do in the coming weeks. But it all seemed positive." The 38-year-old emphasized that he takes his brother's comments seriously. "I try to listen and then, when I can, help."

Former professional player Andrea Petkovic can empathize with Zverev's situation. "After a loss, things come to the surface that you can keep under the surface when you win," she said. "Being a tennis player is generally a lonely sport. You feel alone on the court, and you feel alone off it. I also had a huge crisis at 28."