I was diagnosed with pneumonia, says Zverev about missing Beijing after 'all about money' jibe mooted as initial reason

While many thought that Alexander Zverev's withdrawal from the China Open was down to comments he made about scheduling, it seems that it is down to a secret health battle.

Zverev has revealed that he was diagnosed with pneumonia which caused him to withdraw from the China Open just days after helping Team Europe win the Laver Cup back home in Berlin.

He recently took aim at the number of matches that top tennis stars are feeling forced to play in order to achieve goals. He currently sits at World No.2 and had previously spoke about wanting to unseat Sinner as World No.1. But he has dented his chances slightly.

While Zverev has withdrawn, Sinner who didn't play Laver Cup has the upper hand as he plays Beijing this week. Albeit he defends his title from 12 months ago so will only defend points as opposed to gain.

So pneumonia or not, it is likely also a calculated decision from Zverev in order to gain as much rest as possible ahead of a busy end to the season. This includes Shanghai, Paris and for Zverev and co, Turin for the ATP Finals.

But it also ends the perception that he has withdrawn solely as a means to hit back at the ATP with a genuine reason given for not being involved.

“Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with pneumonia, which explains the physical difficulties I’ve had in recent months,” Zverev told the German Press Agency as his reasoning behind missing Beijing. "I have to take care of my health first so that I can compete again as soon as possible.

"I am very disappointed to have to withdraw from the China Open. I will miss my Chinese fans in Beijing and hope to be able to play in front of them again soon."