Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

‘Progressively Worse’ – Alexander Zverev’s 2025 US Open Chances Take Huge Blow After Alarming Injury Scare at Cincinnati Open

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Alexander Zverev just can’t catch a break. The world no.3 hasn’t been able to find his perfect form this year despite starting it with a bang by reaching the Australian Open Final. Since then, things have been rather uneasy for Zverev.

But now, an unexpected injury scare during the Cincinnati Open semi-final has crept up to further hurt Zverev’s US Open bid.

Alexander Zverev opens up on injury scare

Prior to his straightforward 6-4, 6-3 defeat against Carlos Alcaraz in the Semi-Finals, Zverev admitted the quarter-final matchup against Ben Shelton had left him worried. Despite a relatively easy win, fans were left worried after the German experienced breathing issues during the second set.

Even Carlos couldn't catch up to that one 😅

Alexander Zverev comes out on top of an epic rally to take the @BetMGM shot of the day!#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/W4jPqvCo9J
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 16, 2025

Per Express, Zverev was heard saying, “my head is spinning. I can’t get any air into my lungs,” before calling for assistance. While he cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 win against Shelton, this experience left Zverev worried.

“I started feeling not so great at the end of the opening set, and things got progressively worse,” revealed Zverev later.

The German admitted he didn’t expect this, especially during a game he finally felt like himself. Perhaps that’s why his quick defeat against Alcaraz didn’t surprise anyone. Though, it did lead to an emotional message from Alcaraz for the struggling German.

"Clutch from Carlos" 👌@carlosalcaraz doing Alcaraz things at #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/1jeYl1GvEj
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 16, 2025

However, this sudden development has created fears about Zverev’s chances in mounting a comeback in the US Open after his early Wimbledon exit. It’s tragedy especially after the former world no.2 has brought in big changes to his game in recent months.

Alexander Zverev’s US Open 2025 chances in Jeopardy despite improvement

Prior to the Semi-Finals Top Spanish analyst José Moron admitted Zverev’s game had changed a little in recent months. “I don’t know if the credit should be attributed to the advice of Toni and Rafa, who suggested him to be more aggressive during his experience in Mallorca,” said Moron. The analyst noted he was seeing a ‘different version’ of Sascha.

No sé si habrá sido lo que le dijeron Toni y Rafa de que fuera más agresivo y el trabajo que hicieron en Mallorca, pero veo a un Zverev renovado.

No sé, le veo un “algo” distinto en su juego y con un punch más en sus golpes.

¿Ojito con Sascha? 🤔
— José Morón (@jmgmoron) August 15, 2025

The German seems more incisive and has become even more aggressive in his baseline play. This could be directly correlated to the 10 days he spent with Toni and Rafael Nadal recently. Alexander Zverev had noted how both Toni and Rafa had given him strong advice that helped in regaining his lost confidence after Shocking Wimbledon exit.

However, this sudden injury scare may halt Zverev’s US-Open journey. With just a week to go before the tournament, could the German heal from his health issues? Even if he does, will Zverev be at his 100% best? Only time will tell.

Alexander Zverev

US Open

Sanskar Dubey

A passionate sports fan since childhood, it was always my dream to cover the peak of human potential. Baseball, Tennis, and Football (or Soccer) have been closest to my heart. From Rafael Nadal’s never-say-die attitude to Roger Federer’s beautiful backhand, I’ve seen it all. Prior to the Playoffs, I’ve worked in EssentiallySports and Pro Football and Sports Network.