Alexander Zverev “ended up in the hospital” as he informed about the health crisis and Shanghai’s involvement

Alexander Zverev admits his recent health crisis was much more serious than initially thought as he “ended up in hospital” and faced the prospect of having to end his 2024 season early.

The German enjoyed a great North American hardcourt swing as he reached the semifinals of the Cincinnati Open and the quarterfinals of the US Open and Canada Open.

But he looked out of form during the first two days of the Laver Cup as he was beaten in straight sets by Taylor Fritz, while he and Carlos Alcaraz also lost the doubles to Team World’s Fritz and Ben Shelton.

However, Zverev recovered on the final day and defeated Frances Tiafoe. The result was the key to Team Europe’s 13:11 victory. However, he withdrew from the China Open a few days later as he was diagnosed with pneumonia.

After recovering over the past week, the 27-year-old has decided to return to action at the Shanghai Masters, although he admits it will take a while to get back to 100% health.

“I have inflammation in my lungs. It will take about two or three months for it to completely disappear,” he revealed.

“I withdrew from Beijing because I was quite ill. I had a pretty high fever during the Laver Cup and after the Laver Cup. I ended up in the hospital. I wasn’t feeling well and just didn’t have the energy to play. I was given antibiotics for a week.”

The two-time Grand Slam finalist added: “I’m feeling better now, but of course the problem with my lungs hasn’t gone away, it’s still there.”

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Zverev, who will slip to No. 3 behind Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP rankings after his absence from the China Open, had the choice of sitting out the rest of the season or fighting on.

“I still feel like I’m maybe a little more tired than I’m used to, but either I’m going to sit out the whole season now or I’m going to play the way I can play,” the German said.

“There is nothing that would delay the recovery or make it worse if I play, that’s what the doctor said, and that’s why I’m here (at the Shanghai Masters) and I’m happy to give 100 percent of what I give.” Me have.”

Zverev is the second seed at the Shanghai Masters and will face either qualifier Mattia Bellucci or lucky loser Billie Harris in the second round, while he is expected to face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals and Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz in the final.