Zverev jokes about 'grass allergy' ahead of Wimbledon

Alexander Zverev, Germany's top tennis player, arrived at Wimbledon with a touch of humor, attributing his pre-tournament sniffles to a "grass allergy." The world No. 3, who recently achieved a career-long dream by winning the French Open, admitted to feeling a difference in his approach to the London grass courts.

“

It's just a problem that we are playing on grass and I have a grass allergy. I have that every year.

"It feels different," Zverev said. "With more joy, simply, more freedom somewhere too. Because I know that I have won one and I have achieved it." This newfound confidence stems from his breakthrough Grand Slam victory, a title he had long pursued. However, he downplayed the notion that life as a Grand Slam champion has drastically changed.

“

It feels different. With more joy, simply, more freedom somewhere too. Because I know that I have won one and I have achieved it.

"There is of course a certain inner satisfaction," Zverev explained. "But apart from that, my life has not changed much." He emphasized his commitment to maintaining his personal life, including playing golf with friends and spending time with his daughter, regardless of his on-court success. "You just keep living."

“

There is of course a certain inner satisfaction. But apart from that, my life has not changed much.

Despite Wimbledon historically being his least successful Grand Slam tournament, with his best result being the round of 16, Zverev feels optimistic. "But I personally have a different feeling this year. I feel that I am well prepared," he stated. Seeded second behind Jannik Sinner due to Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal, Zverev is aiming for his best-ever Wimbledon performance, beginning his campaign against Belgium's Alexander Blockx.

“

But I personally have a different feeling this year. I feel that I am well prepared. I feel that I am playing good tennis at the moment, and I will do everything I can to show that on the tennis court.