Novak Djokovic recently stepped forward to back Alexander Zverev after the German star’s admission that he feels ’empty’ and ‘alone.’ Speaking at Wimbledon, the 24-time major winner praised Zverev’s courage, recalled his own low moments, and said he is ready to help.
Zverev, who lost in the first round, later explained that joy has gone from both his tennis and his life. He has been getting support from the tennis world, both fans and players, including Aryna Sabalenka.
Novak Djokovic’s Words At Wimbledon 2025 Post-Match Conference
Djokovic began by discussing his friendship with “Sascha” and revealed they had practised together on the Wimbledon courts a few days earlier. “Sascha and I have a great relationship. I like him a lot as a person. We talk quite a bit, actually, about tennis and different topics in life as well,” the Serb said.
“He was asking me, and I was sharing with him. He knows he can always reach out to me.” The seven-time Wimbledon champion showed empathy, saying: “I understand exactly what he’s going through because I’ve been through that many times where you feel empty or less joy. You can’t always feel your best.”
Djokovic suggested that a crowded schedule may have drained Zverev’s energy, advising a short break if needed. He also welcomed the growing talk around mental health in tennis.
“It deserves more attention. I salute the players who have the courage to come out and speak about that. If he needs me, I’m here,” Djokovic said, keeping the doors open for Zverev.
Novak Djokovic on Zverev saying he feels empty and alone in his life, ‘I understand exactly what he’s going through because I’ve been through that many times’
“Sascha and I have a great relationship. I like him a lot as a person. We talk quite a bit actually about tennis and… pic.twitter.com/4OpP7zOtRz
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 3, 2025
These remarks follow repeated signs of support. Earlier this season, Djokovic messaged Zverev after the Australian Open final, telling him to “keep believing” that a first major will come his way.
Alexander Zverev’s Confession and The Support From Aryna Sabalenka
The first-round loss to Arthur Rinderknech led to a frank press conference by Zverev. The World No. 3 said the defeat was not physical but mental: “I feel very alone out there at times. I’ve never felt this empty before, just lacking joy in everything I do.”
The 28-year-old added that he is considering therapy “for the first time in my life” to cope with the constant travel and outside pressures.
Zverev was knocked out of Wimbledon by Rinderknech, who beat him 6-7(3), 7-6(8), 3-6, 7-6(5), 4-6 on Tuesday. This was amongst the biggest upsets from Wimbledon’s first round, as Zverev was the third seed coming into the tournament.
When asked about her reaction, Aryna Sabalenka drew on her own five-year stint with a therapist during the post-match conference. “If you’re going to keep it inside, it’s just going to destroy you. I think that’s something that’s happening to him. I think he just needs to open up to whoever is close to him.”
Sabalenka said conversations with trusted people helped her replace formal therapy and believes Zverev should lean on the close-knit team that travels with him.
