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Zverev Honored in Halle as He Begins Grass-Court Season After First Grand Slam

Disclosure of intensive injection treatment before his grass-court return raises questions about player preparation, raising scrutiny of prize‑money fairness.

Overview

  • Zverev, who won his first Grand Slam at the French Open on June 7, was publicly honored in Halle on Sunday and thanked German fans for long‑term support.
  • Tournament organisers placed him in the Terra Wortmann Open field and he is scheduled to open on grass against Czech player Vit Kopriva as he shifts from clay to Wimbledon preparation.
  • Zverev told media he underwent intensive injections from Dr. Hans‑Wilhelm Müller‑Wohlfahrt—an estimated 60 treatments—that he says allowed him to play pain‑free through the season.
  • The champion’s comments and return to competition have intensified discussion about tennis economics, as the French Open paid €61.7 million overall while lower‑ranked players face annual costs of roughly €100,000–120,000.
  • Public reaction has been mixed, with former champion Andy Roddick defending Zverev’s standing in the sport and tabloids reporting family moments in Halle as the grass swing and Wimbledon ambitions sharpen ranking implications.