Alexander Zverev is still expected to play at the ATP tournament in his home city Hamburg despite a puzzling statement.

"He hasn't cancelled his participation. We're assuming that he's playing," organizers said.

The event in Hamburg on May 17-23 is considered a tune-up tournament for the French Open on May 24-June 7.

However, after a crushing defeat to Luciano Darderi in the last 16 of the Rome Masters on Tuesday, Zverev hinted that he might skip his home event to focus on recovery.

"I'm also human, and I get sick sometimes. I've been playing a lot of tennis, so my immune system has probably taken a bit of a hit," he said.

If Zverev were to skip the tournament in Hamburg, it wouldn't come as a surprise, especially since he has said he plans to take more breaks this season.

The German has recently spoke of exhaustion and said he's considering not participating in all of the warm-up tournaments leading up to the French Open.

"The main goal is to show the best tennis in Paris. That's why I have to plan my strategy carefully," he said.