Aryna Sabalenka tells troubled Alexander Zverev to talk to family about mental health issues

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German world No. 3 Alexander Zverev opened up about his mental health struggles after his July 1 first-round loss at Wimbledon to Frances Arthur Rinderknech.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Summary

• Alexander Zverev revealed feeling empty and lacking joy after his Wimbledon defeat, admitting he may need therapy for mental health struggles.
• Aryna Sabalenka advised Zverev to confide in his family instead of bottling up his emotions, fearing it will destroy him.
• Sabalenka shared her experience with therapy, stating that open communication with family helps in solving problems, offering support to Zverev.

AI generated

LONDON - World number one Aryna Sabalenka has urged Alexander Zverev to talk to his family about his mental health issues before they “destroy” him.

German world number three Zverev opened up about his mental struggles, saying he felt “alone” and “empty” after a shock Wimbledon first-round defeat against France’s Arthur Rinderknech on July 1.

“Maybe for the first time in my life I’ll probably need it,” the 28-year-old told reporters when asked if he would see a therapist to help with his problems.

“I’ve been through a lot of difficulties. I’ve never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy in everything that I do. It’s not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis, as well.”

The three-time Grand Slam finalist’s cry for help brought a sympathetic response from top-seeded women’s star Sabalenka.

Speaking after her Wimbledon second-round win against Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic on July 2, the Belarusian revealed she used to speak