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@scherrit
Having a fiddle (TM*) with the "cones" -top hat probably a better term, but anyways- if you can remove the play and the hub stays smooth then the cones/top hats have wriggled loose, if you can't adjust out the play then the cartridge bearing are probably shagged, needing replacement.
Spoke tension can (as per 36X18) open up a hub a fraction and give slackness- this has been noted for example on the Zipp site. Similarly a good mechanic will allow a little slackness when the hub is not quick released into a road set-up as the q/r reduces (by a tiny tiny amount) the distance between the cone so taking the slack out.
Zipp leave a fraction of slop in their bearings when they are not rider-loaded which can be a little disconcerting- the rule of thumb is rather leave a fraction too much slack than risk over tightening.
Good luck.