Alexander Zverev exclusive – ‘Exact date for a comeback hasn’t been set yet’ as he continues ankle recovery

Alexander Zverev has admitted he is not sure when he will return to competitive action but said he is making “important progress” in his recovery from his ankle injury.

The world No. 2 said he is healing “very well”, but is not sure when he will be able to return to the tennis court with the US Open on the horizon.

“The healing process is going very well,” he told Eurosport.

“I’m making important progress every day and I’m looking forward to the next tasks that will bring me closer and closer to the tennis court.

“An exact date for a comeback hasn’t been set yet, but I’m working every day to make sure it happens as soon as possible.”

Zverev went into more detail about the lengthy recovery process he is undergoing.

“The days are very long,” the 25-year-old explained. “You start very early and finish in the evening. We do a lot of exercises, there are always new ones that are added permanently.

“The foot is treated, mobility is worked out, strength and stability are rebuilt. In some cases, normal walking and running are re-learned. I do sprint exercises in the water, training sessions on the treadmill and bicycle.”

Zverev insisted he cannot overexert himself to try and speed up his recovery.

He said: “There are always dangers in professional sport, and even in everyday life you are exposed to dangers. My team and I work highly concentrated every day so that there are no problems. Of course, you want to train as much as possible, but you can’t overdo it.

“I have to listen very carefully to my body and know when I have reached my limits. I’m used to getting the maximum out of myself almost every day, whether in training or matches. Exceeding it now could be counterproductive.”

Zverev said he is in regular contact with Dominic Thiem, who is making a comeback of his own this season after suffering from a season-ending wrist injury picked up last summer.

The German joked that he wants to get revenge for his five-set defeat to the Austrian in the US Open final in 2020.

He added: “I get on very well with Dominic Thiem and we are always in contact.

“We both want to find our top form again because I still have a score to settle from our last Grand Slam match.”