'I had a little problem...' - Alexander Zverev explains reason for not participating in the China Open

Zverev revealed he was diagnosed with pneumonia, which was one of the reasons for his physical problems. He explained that he had a problem with his lungs, and he is suffering from an inflammation in his lungs that will take a few months to heal. He explained the reason for not participating in the China Open. He revealed that he was hospitalized and had to take antibiotics for a week.

Alexander Zverev was unable to participate in the China Open due to pneumonia after the Laver Cup, but he is set to return to the court at the Shanghai Rolex Masters. The resilient German tennis champion has made a strong comeback, providing encouraging updates on his health. During the press conferance for the ATP Masters 1000 in Shanghai, the 27-year-old affirmed his readiness to compete and expressed ambitious aspirations for the remaining part of the season.

"Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with pneumonia, which explains my physical problems in recent months. I have to take care of my health to return to competition as soon as possible," he said.

"I had a little problem with my lungs. I have inflammation in my lung again that will take a few months, two or three months to completely go away. I'm taking some medicine, but the reason I pulled out of Beijing is that I was very sick, I had a high fever during and after the Laver Cup. I ended up in the hospital, I didn't feel well and I had no energy to play, I was on antibiotics for a week." he explained.

'It would be great finish the season as world number two'

He felt it would be great to finish the season as world number two. He believed that the number one ranking would go to Jannik who is still scoring points at Beijing. Zverev is focused on achieving his goal in 2025.

"It would be great to finish the year as world number two. The number 1 will go to Jannik, who secured it after the US Open. I think before the US Open the situation was open between Jannik, Carlos and me. I think finishing the year as number 2 and starting 2025 would be great. Of course, I know Carlos is playing great tennis at the moment, he is in Beijing scoring points and I know I have to give my best to achieve this goal." - he added.