Zverev shrugs off annual grass allergy before Wimbledon, enters first major as Grand Slam champion

A sneeze and a familiar allergy

Alexander Zverev turned away to sneeze in front of reporters on the eve of Wimbledon, then immediately reassured them. "I'm doing great," the German said. "It's just a problem that we're playing on grass and I have a grass allergy. I've got it every year." Medically, a literal grass allergy does not exist; people who react on grass are usually allergic to pollen and suffer from hay fever.

New mindset as Grand Slam champion

For the first time at a major, Zverev arrives as a Grand Slam winner. Three weeks earlier he fulfilled a long-held dream by triumphing at the French Open, freeing himself from the weight of chasing that elusive title. "It feels different," he said. "With more joy, more freedom, because I know I've won one and I've made it."

“It feels different. With more joy, more freedom, because I know I've won one and I've made it.”

Still, the 29-year-old insisted his everyday life has not transformed. "I enjoy certain things off the court, and I'll continue to do so, whether I'm playing golf with friends or going to the kids' club with my daughter. You just keep living."

“I enjoy certain things off the court, and I'll continue to do so — whether I'm playing golf with friends or going to the kids' club with my daughter. You just keep living.”

Seeded second and aiming higher

Zverev, the world number three, is seeded second at Wimbledon after Carlos Alcaraz withdrew with injury. Only Jannik Sinner sits above him in the draw. The 2021 Olympic gold medalist considers himself a title contender and opens his campaign on Tuesday against Belgian Alexander Blockx.

Wimbledon's historical hurdle

Wimbledon remains Zverev's weakest Grand Slam. He has never advanced beyond the round of 16. Asked if this year might be different, he sounded confident. "Personally, I have a different feeling this year. I feel well prepared," he said. "I feel I'm playing good tennis right now, and I'll do everything I can to show that on court."

“I feel I'm playing good tennis right now, and I'll do everything I can to show that on court.”