Casper Ruud felt outmatched by Zverev in 2024, with the German having won two titles to take his career ATP Tour tally to 23.

World number two Zverev also reached his second Grand Slam final, but lost to Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open.

He is currently shining at the 2025 United Cup ahead of the Australian Open, steering Germany into back-to-back quarter-finals in the event.

Tennis balls ‘not helping’ Alexander Zverev’s elbow injury

But the 27-year-old continues to be impacted by an elbow injury, with Zverev providing an update in his latest United Cup press conference.

“It’s quite sore,” he said. “I’m working on it every day. It’s just what it is. I think the balls are not helping. They’re dead. We’ve been having this discussion for I don’t know how long.

READ MORE: United Cup 2025: How to watch, prize money, rules, predictions, dates and everything you need to know

“A lot of players nowadays have elbow issues, wrist issues, because that kind of subject, which wasn’t the case maybe 15, 20 years ago, or 10 years ago when I started. I’m working on it. Hopefully it’s getting better every day.”

What do Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud think of the tennis balls on tour?

Zverev raised the ‘significant issue’ of the balls used in November, having researched tennis ball production.

His fellow ATP star Ruud wants ‘more consistency’ with the balls, with each tournament free to choose which balls are used.

READ MORE: Andy Roddick says whether he agrees with Alexander Zverev’s criticism of the tennis balls

Zverev hasn’t let his elbow problem affect his results this week, with the two-time Grand Slam finalist on a roll in Perth.

He won his singles clash versus Thiago Monteiro as Germany beat Brazil 3-0 in their opener, with his nation the United Cup defending champions.

And another group stage win was secured against China, with Zverev winning his singles and doubles matches to help secure a 2-1 win.

Germany topped Group E with their triumphs, and now face a tough test against fellow unbeaten side Kazakhstan.

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