Zverev: "There must be a situation where we can say that the 250th-ranked tennis player can make a living from tennis"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 22 May 2026 | 18.30

Zverev: "There must be a situation where we can say that the 250th-ranked tennis player can make a living from tennis". Photo: Getty Images

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Alexander Zverev also wants changes. The world number three was not left behind and joined his male and female colleagues in protests over the prize money at Roland Garros, which is why he also limited his first press conference in Paris to fifteen minutes.

During the conference, the German stressed the need for real changes so that lower-ranked tennis players can make a living from the sport. He also took the opportunity to share his improvement in back issues, which caused him to withdraw from Hamburg after consulting a renowned doctor in Germany.

Arrives in Paris recovered from back problems

"I had some free time after Rome to take care of my back, which was very helpful. I visited some doctors in Germany, which was also very beneficial, and I feel good. I feel ready to compete and hope to demonstrate it on the court on Sunday."

Djokovic and Zverev hitting together and chatting on Chatrier 😎

A lighthearted training session between two great players for our Relaxing moment with Hespéride! #Hespéride #myhesperide pic.twitter.com/Jix4PYiNtD
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 19, 2026

Recounts the origin of these discomforts

"The back problem started last year, and I really struggled throughout the season. Then I went to see a very famous German doctor, Müller-Wohlfahrt, in December. He did two treatments in December, and I felt amazing for the first three months of the season, until late April."

"Then, in Munich, the issue resurfaced, and after a few matches, I was really suffering. But the treatment he provides takes some days for you to feel good again, and I didn't have that window until after Rome. After Rome, I visited him again. I saw him twice in a few days, and he gave me two more treatments. Honestly, after what he does, I feel amazing."

Alexander Zverev also adhered to the protests at Roland Garros and only granted a 15-minute press conference

"Honestly, I am not the one leading this, but I am very happy to join, because I believe there must be more fairness for the players. And that fairness should not only be for the world numbers 1, 2, or 3. There has to be a situation where we can say that a player ranked 250 can make a living from tennis."

Wants the number 250 to be able to live comfortably from tennis

"I feel that if everyone comes together, the tours, the Grand Slams, and a more equitable percentage and joint plan are achieved, that can happen. I believe many players could benefit, not just the best in the world. Yes, the conversation seems to focus on 'we want more money,' but it's not just that."

"There are players who are in the top 200 in the world, exceptional players, who can barely make a living from tennis or are even losing money. For the size and importance that tennis has as a global sport, I think that can change. And it can change with the help of the world's most important tournaments," concludes Alexander Zverev, who demands more assistance and money for players; otherwise, the threat of a boycott will start to take shape.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Zverev: "Tiene que existir una situación donde podamos decir que el tenista 250 del ranking pueda vivir del tenis"