Alexander Zverev pulls out of clay event ahead of the French Open

Alexander Zverev has decided to pull out of the 2026 Hamburg Open.

The world number four was expected to lead the draw as the top seed, but has opted to sit out the tournament ahead of Roland Garros.

So why is Zverev sitting out Hamburg this year? He explained his decision in a statement on Instagram.

Alexander Zverev pulls out of Hamburg Open citing ongoing back injury

“I’m really disappointed that I have to withdraw from the Hamburg Open this year,” said Zverev.

“Hamburg is my hometown, and it is always special for me to play in front of a home crowd.

“Unfortunately, I have back problems that have affected me throughout the clay-court season. My medical team, therefore, strongly advised me to take a break from competition next week and recover.

“I have always tried everything to be able to take part in the tournament, even competing despite injury at times, but this time I have to listen to my body and follow the advice of my medical team.

“I wish everyone a great tournament and hope to see you again soon.”

Alexander Zverev reveals Hamburg withdrawal is due to back injury

“I’m really disappointed that I have to withdraw from the Hamburg Open this year,” said Zverev.

“Hamburg is my hometown, and it is always special for me to play in front of a home crowd. “Unfortunately, I have back problems that have affected me throughout the clay-court season. My medical team, therefore, strongly advised me to take a break from competition next week and recover.

“I have always tried everything to be able to take part in the tournament, even competing despite injury at times, but this time I have to listen to my body and follow the advice of my medical team.

“I wish everyone a great tournament and hope to see you again soon.”

The decision didn’t come as a total surprise. In his post-match comments following the loss to Luciano Darderi in Rome, Zverev hinted at stepping away for some recovery time.

Following his defeat in Rome, Zverev suggested that he might be forced out of Hamburg due to fitness concerns. “Maybe this is a bit of a blessing in a bad moment for me,” he said. “I can rest and recharge and be 100% ready for the French Open.

“I can take a couple of days off.“

Zverev may not have been fully fit throughout the clay-court season, but it didn’t stop him from producing some strong performances.

If it weren’t for Jannik Sinner’s remarkable form during Madrid Open campaign there’s every chance we could be talking about two titles under Zverev’s belt heading into Paris instead of two final losses.

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