Zverev has an explanation for Murray, Nadal & Djokovic’s struggles (Picture: Getty)

Mischa Zverev believes he’s feeling fresher than fellow over-30s stars Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal because he’s played at the top of tennis for a shorter amount of time.

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Murray and Djokovic, both 30, have missed the final Grand Slam of the year through hip and elbow injuries, with the latter opting to skip the rest of the 2017 season.

Nadal, 31, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, with knee problems particularly blighting him.

But Zverev is feeling fit and fresh despite being 30 himself and he puts it down to his late rise towards the top of tennis.


Djokovic suffered with an elbow problem (Picture: Getty)

Murray withdrew from the tournament with a hip issue (Picture: Getty)

When asked about the high numbers of withdrawals ahead of the US Open, Zverev said: ‘A lot of players are injured because many of them played really good tennis for so many years.



‘Let’s say almost every week they were the favorites to win the tournament, went deep into the draw. I feel like a body can break down no matter how well you take care of it, how much you train. I think it’s human.

‘Looking at Novak, he played unbelievable tennis the last couple years. Looking back maybe a couple years ago, it was Rafa and Roger. People were like, Oh, maybe they’re too old, maybe they’re not good enough or strong enough.

Nadal has suffered with injury throughout his career (Picture: AFP/Getty)

Querrey is up next for Zverev (Picture: Getty)

‘They took some time off. They got healthy again. Now they’re playing really good tennis. Maybe it’s time for Novak and Andy to do something similar. You never know.

‘Let’s say I’m 30 years old, but I feel like I definitely have less mileage on my body than someone like Novak or Rafa. We’re pretty much the same age.

‘They’ve played so many matches over the last five years. I haven’t been doing too, too well.’

Zverev has enjoyed his best year on the ATP Tour, reaching the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in Melbourne and he’s into the fourth round of the US Open.

Up next for the German is Sam Querrey as the pair look to take advantage of a wide open bottom half of the draw.

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