Zverev’s Harsh Self-Critique After Monte Carlo Loss

Alexander Zverev, the world No. 2, has taken a brutally honest look at his performance after an unexpected defeat to Matteo Berrettini at the Monte Carlo Masters. The loss, which occurred on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, has prompted Zverev to question his current form and ability to close out matches, especially as the clay-court season heats up.

Opening Round Upset at Monte Carlo

Zverev’s exit from the Monte Carlo Masters came as a surprise to many, especially considering his strong start to the season with a final appearance at the Australian Open. However, since then, the 27-year-old German has struggled to maintain consistency, failing to advance beyond the quarter-final stage in any of the six events he has played since the Australian Open.

In the match against Berrettini, Zverev started strong, winning the first set 6-2. However, he couldn’t maintain his momentum, eventually losing the match 6-3, 7-5 in the subsequent sets. The defeat marks another early exit for Zverev, adding to a string of disappointing results in recent months.

“It’s Me Who Lost the Match”

Following the match, Zverev didn’t hold back in his assessment of his own performance. “I played a great first set, and once I got broken in the second set I played 10 levels down,” Zverev said. “My ball is much slower. I stop hitting the ball. The same story the last few months. Nothing changes. So it’s me who lost the match, once again… I thought my level was terrible, but that’s just my opinion.”

Zverev’s words reflect a deep frustration with his inability to maintain a high level of play throughout matches. He acknowledged that his performance dipped significantly after the first set, leading to his downfall.

“Worst Period Since My Injury”

Zverev openly admitted that he’s been struggling for months, saying: “I have not won many matches. So it’s been the worst period since my injury the last few months”. He is clearly not happy with his current situation and is actively seeking solutions to improve his game.

It’s been a tough road back for Zverev after a season-ending ankle injury in 2022. He worked hard to regain his form, achieving significant success in 2023 and 2024, including winning two ATP Masters 1000 titles and climbing to No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings. However, the recent slump has raised concerns about his ability to compete at the highest level consistently.

Frustration with Closing Out Matches

Zverev expressed particular frustration with his inability to close out matches when pushed to final sets. “It’s a matter that I’m losing. It’s as simple as that,” Zverev said. “You win one or two matches like this, there is no more questions, for me in my mind. But I lost three sets in Buenos Aires, I lost three sets in Rio, I lost three sets in Indian Wells, I lost three sets in Miami, I lost three sets here, and I didn’t win a single one. So that’s the matter.”

His words highlight a pattern of struggles in crucial moments, which has cost him several matches in recent tournaments. Addressing this issue will be crucial for Zverev if he wants to regain his confidence and start winning again.

Berrettini’s Perspective

Matteo Berrettini, on the other hand, offered a different perspective on the match. While acknowledging Zverev’s high level in the first set, Berrettini felt that the change in momentum was due to his own increased aggression and belief in his shots.

“It’s never easy to be sharp after a tough defeat, but I have to say that in the first set, he was playing at a very high and really aggressive level,” Berrettini said. “When he saw me being more aggressive and trying to believe in my shots a bit more, he started to lose his way. That’s what I felt, that the momentum changed.”

Berrettini’s comments suggest that Zverev’s game may have been affected by the Italian’s shift in tactics, leading to a decline in his performance.

Berrettini’s Clay Court Comeback

Berrettini’s victory over Zverev marks a significant moment in his comeback journey. The Italian, who has been ranked as high as No. 6 in the world, has faced his own challenges in recent years, including injuries and inconsistent form.

The Monte Carlo Masters holds special significance for Berrettini, as it is located near the Italian border and feels like a home tournament for him. He said, “I grew up on clay, playing on it until 19. On Tour we don’t play on it as much but at the same time I have missed the biggest tournament on clay for the past three years and that was tough and now I want to enjoy it. I feel really comfortable on clay.” Overcoming the top-seeded Zverev in a thrilling three-set match is a testament to his resilience and determination. “I am very happy, very proud of how I turned the match around. I didn’t feel my best, especially in the first set, and I have to say that Sascha was playing at a very high level. I had to push myself to change the dynamics, especially mentally, telling myself to believe in my shots and my tennis and to enjoy the fight. That’s what I did and what I was telling myself, especially in the third set when things got a bit tough.”

The Road Ahead for Zverev

For Zverev, the defeat at Monte Carlo raises questions about his form and readiness for the upcoming clay-court season, which includes the French Open, where he reached the final last year. He has not won any ATP titles so far this season and has failed to recapture the form that saw him reach the Australian Open final earlier this year. With pressure to defend a substantial portion of his ranking points over the next few months, Zverev needs to address his recent struggles quickly.

Zverev is scheduled to play at the ATP 500 event on home soil in Munich next week. This tournament will provide him with an opportunity to regain some confidence and work on the areas of his game that need improvement.

Key Moments of the Zverev-Berrettini Match

• First Set: Zverev started strong, winning the first set 6-2 with two breaks of serve.
• Second Set: Berrettini turned the tide, securing a lone break to win the second set 6-3.
• Third Set: The decider was a tense affair, with Berrettini breaking in the seventh game but failing to serve out the match at 5-4.
• Key Rally: At 5-5, 40/40 in the third set, Berrettini won an absorbing 48-shot rally with a forehand winner, which shifted the momentum in his favor.
• Match Point: Berrettini sealed the victory on his first match point, as Zverev’s two-handed backhand hit the net.

Reactions and Analysis

The tennis world has been quick to react to Zverev’s defeat and his subsequent self-critical analysis. Many experts have pointed out that Zverev’s struggles are not just technical but also mental, as he seems to be lacking confidence in crucial moments.

Others have praised Berrettini for his resilience and fighting spirit, highlighting his ability to turn the match around and secure a significant victory.

Final Thoughts

Alexander Zverev’s defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters is undoubtedly a setback for the German star. However, his willingness to confront his shortcomings and take responsibility for the loss could be a turning point.

With the clay-court season in full swing, Zverev has an opportunity to bounce back and prove his doubters wrong. Whether he can overcome his recent struggles and regain his top form remains to be seen, but his honesty and determination suggest that he is ready to fight for it.