Shanghai, China – Alexander Zverev’s challenging 2025 season hit another low on Monday, October 6, with a surprising defeat in the third round of the Shanghai Masters. The German, currently ranked world No. 3, fell to 54th-ranked Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, marking his second loss to the same opponent this year and intensifying concerns that he is enduring his worst season in six years.
Another Early Exit in Shanghai
The unexpected upset saw Zverev, who was the third seed in the tournament, lose 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to Rinderknech. Despite taking the first set, Zverev struggled to maintain control, failing to break Rinderknech’s serve after the first set. This loss is particularly poignant as Rinderknech also eliminated Zverev in five sets during the first round of Wimbledon earlier in 2025. The defeat in Shanghai, described as arguably the biggest upset of the tournament so far, comes amidst a slew of other high-profile exits, including Jannik Sinner and Taylor Fritz. Zverev himself acknowledged his poor form, telling reporters after the match that he was playing “terrible tennis” and experiencing a lack of confidence.
A Season Plagued by Inconsistency and Injury
The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for the 28-year-old German, often characterized by “flashes of brilliance overshadowed by lapses in focus and stamina.” While he started the year strongly by reaching the Australian Open final in January and later the French Open final in 2024, his form has significantly dipped since. After the Australian Open, Zverev reportedly hit a “cold patch,” winning just six of his next 12 matches. His season record stands at 47 wins and 20 losses, with only one title captured in Munich.
Further highlighting his struggles, Zverev also suffered a third-round exit at the US Open, falling to Félix Auger-Aliassime. Beyond the on-court performance, Zverev has openly discussed persistent physical issues, noting that he hasn’t played without pain since the Australian Open. He cited ongoing back problems as a major hindrance to his game in 2025, contributing to a significant “distrust in his game.” These physical and mental challenges have led to disappointment in crucial tournaments, preventing him from consistently competing against top players like Sinner and Alcaraz, with whom a “huge gap” in current form has emerged.
Echoes of 2019: A Troubling Parallel
Commentators and fans alike are drawing parallels between Zverev’s current predicament and his 2019 season, which was widely considered “mediocre” for the then-rising star. In 2019, Zverev finished the year ranked No. 7, with a modest 44-25 win-loss record and secured only one ATP title. That season was marked by inconsistency, including seven losses to players ranked outside the top 40, and a struggle to find his “A-game” against top-10 rivals. Similar to 2025, 2019 also saw him exit Wimbledon in the first round. The frustration and lack of rhythm from six years ago appear to be re-emerging, casting a shadow over what was hoped to be a more dominant year.
Zverev’s Candid Assessment: ‘No Confidence, No Belief’
Following his Shanghai exit, Zverev was remarkably candid about his state of mind and performance. “I’ve never felt this empty before. Just lacking joy, just lacking joy in everything that I do,” Zverev said after his Wimbledon defeat to Rinderknech earlier in the season. More recently, after the Shanghai loss, he stated, “Just no confidence, no belief in the shots… it’s not necessarily about tennis. Just lacking joy outside of tennis, as well.” His admission of dealing with pain and a “real battle with myself” underscores the depth of his current struggles, both on and off the court. Despite these setbacks, Zverev still holds fourth place in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, keeping his hopes alive for qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals, a tournament he has won twice previously in 2018 and 2021. However, with the gap between him and the chasing pack narrowing, a strong finish to the season will be crucial to solidify his position.
No Comment! Be the first one.