Alexander Zverev Leaves Hamburg Tennis Tournament

May 15, 2026, 17:41
EuropeSports

Introduction

Alexander Zverev will not play in the Hamburg Open. He wants to get healthy for the French Open.

Main Body

Zverev has a problem with his back. He also had a cold and felt very tired. His doctors told him to stop playing and rest. He wants to be strong for the French Open on May 24. He is a top player and needs to be ready for this big game. Other great players will still play in Hamburg. These players are Alex de Minaur, Félix Auger-Aliassime, and Ben Shelton.

Conclusion

Zverev will not play at home in Hamburg. He needs to fix his health before he plays in France.

Learning

💡 The 'Need' Pattern

In the text, we see: "He needs to be ready" and "He needs to fix his health."

How it works: Use Need + to + Action when something is necessary. It is a very useful way to talk about goals or problems in A2 English.

Examples from the story:

  • Needs →\rightarrow be ready
  • Needs →\rightarrow fix health

Daily Life use:

  • I need to sleep. →\rightarrow (I am tired)
  • I need to eat. →\rightarrow (I am hungry)
  • I need to study. →\rightarrow (I have a test)

👟 Vocabulary: Health vs. Feeling

Look at how the text describes the body:

The ProblemThe Feeling
A coldTired
Back problemNot healthy

Quick Tip: We say "have a cold" (a thing) but we say "feel tired" (an emotion/state).

Vocabulary Learning

tournament
a competition where many participants play a sport or game
Example:The tennis tournament will start next week.
healthy
in good physical condition; not sick
Example:She eats fruits and vegetables to stay healthy.
problem
a situation that is difficult to solve or deal with
Example:He has a problem with his back that hurts.
tired
feeling a need to rest or sleep
Example:After the match, he felt very tired.
doctor
a person qualified to treat illnesses and injuries
Example:The doctor told him to rest for a week.
stop
to cease doing something
Example:She told him to stop playing and rest.
playing
the act of participating in a sport or game
Example:Playing tennis can be a good exercise.
strong
having great physical power or good health
Example:He wants to be strong for the next match.
top
highest or best
Example:He is a top player in the world rankings.
ready
prepared to do something
Example:She is ready to compete in the tournament.
big
large in size or importance
Example:It is a big game that many fans will watch.
game
an activity that is played for entertainment
Example:The tennis game lasted three hours.
great
very good or excellent
Example:The players are great athletes.
players
people who play a sport or game
Example:The players will practice before the match.
home
the place where one lives
Example:He will not play at home in Hamburg.
fix
to repair or correct something
Example:He needs to fix his health before playing again.
health
the state of being free from illness
Example:Good health is important for athletes.
back
the rear part of the body
Example:He has a problem with his back.