Alexander Zverev criticizes tennis ball quality ahead of US Open

Alexander Zverev US Open professional tennis tennis ball technology player injuries

Ahead of the US Open, Alexander Zverev has criticized the quality of tennis balls in professional play, suggesting they have become ‘dead’ and require players to hit harder to achieve results. Zverev linked this change in equipment to a rise in wrist, elbow, and arm injuries among young top players.

Several high-profile athletes are facing injury concerns. Carlos Alcaraz is returning from a four-month wrist injury hiatus, while Jack Draper is sidelined with a bone bruise. Additionally, world number one Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the tournament due to a knee injury.

Following Sinner's absence, Zverev enters the tournament as the top seed and a leading title favorite. Despite a challenging start to the North American hard-court season, Zverev reports feeling physically fit and improving through training.

Entities

Alexander Zverev · Carlos Alcaraz · Jack Draper · Jannik Sinner · US Open

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Alexander Zverev claims that tennis balls have become 'dead', requiring players to hit them harder. www.zeit.de · www.onetz.de · www.volksfreund.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Carlos Alcaraz is returning to competition after a four-month hiatus due to a wrist injury. www.zeit.de · www.onetz.de · www.volksfreund.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Jack Draper is unable to compete in New York due to a bone bruise in his left arm. www.zeit.de · www.onetz.de · www.volksfreund.de
[● 3 SOURCES] Zverev links the use of these balls to increased wrist, elbow, and arm injuries among young players. www.zeit.de · www.onetz.de · www.volksfreund.de
[● 2 SOURCES] Jannik Sinner will miss the US Open due to knee problems. www.zeit.de
[○ 1 SOURCE] Alexander Zverev is the top seed for the US Open following Sinner's withdrawal.