Germany’s tennis star Alexander Zverev has reportedly played with holes in his toenails during the Australian Open 2024.
The journey for the world number six in the first Grand Slam of the year came to an end as he suffered a heartbreak defeat to the world number three Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, despite winning the first two sets with a score of 6-7, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, 6-3 on Friday.
According to a report, Zverev has played the whole tournament with holes in his toenails. He admitted that while talking to the media ahead of the semifinal clash.
“I have a lot of blood under my toenails so that’s quite painful,” he said. “I take them out every single match but then obviously when you’re playing and running a lot, they came back.
“You know what, I would much rather feel the way I’m feeling right now with maybe a bit of pain here and there and be in the semi-finals, rather than be at home right now and watching the tournament.”
Will it be the year of the 🐙 or the 🦊?!@DaniilMedwed comes from two sets down to defeat Sascha Zverev! He’ll face Jannik Sinner to crown a first-time #AusOpen champion!
The comeback king. The marathon man. The #AO2024 finalist.@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/1IxpvKsDut
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2024
Zverev’s brother Mischa also admitted that his brother is dealing with pain in order to get the ultimate prize in Melbourne.
“We saw he was practising, no issues he was moving well,” he said. “It’s not really blistered, there is just blood underneath the toenail. We had to put a little hole in the toenail so that the blood and the fluids come out and now he’s actually playing with holes in his toenails.
“We are trying to make sure that there are not too many fluids that can gather under the toenails so we have to release the pressure and tape it up but he is looking good so he should be ready.”