Zverev criticizes US Open balls, citing link to player injuries

As the US Open approaches, German tennis star Alexander Zverev has voiced strong criticism regarding the balls used in professional tennis, suggesting they are a significant factor in the increasing number of injuries plaguing young top players.

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The balls have simply become a bit deader, you have to hack at the ball more for it to go anywhere.

Zverev, speaking ahead of the tournament's start, described the balls as having become "a bit deader." He explained that this requires players to exert more force, or "hack" at the ball, to achieve desired results. "Because of this, all the wrist, elbow injuries and arm problems are happening," he stated, linking the ball's characteristics directly to the physical toll on athletes.

The world No. 3's concerns are underscored by the fact that several prominent young players are sidelined or returning from injury. Carlos Alcaraz, 23, makes his comeback after more than four months due to a wrist injury, while Britain's Jack Draper, 24, has withdrawn from the New York tournament with a bone bruise in his left arm. Zverev believes the court surface also plays a role in these issues.

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Because of this, all the wrist, elbow injuries and arm problems are happening.

Despite these broader concerns, Zverev assessed his own physical condition as "okay" heading into his first-round match against Lorenzo Sonego. After a disappointing start to the North American hard-court season following his Wimbledon final loss, he feels his game is improving daily. "In training, everything is good. It's getting better day by day," he said.

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I still believe it has a lot to do with the surface and the balls.

Notably, Zverev enters the US Open as the top seed for the first time in a Grand Slam, a position he attributes to his past performance but downplays in terms of immediate significance. "I think the seeding is good, and it shows that you have played well," Zverev commented. "But the most important thing is who is still in the draw at the end of the tournament."

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In training, everything is good. It's getting better day by day.