Alexander Zverev laments poor form after Monte-Carlo Masters exit

German tennis star reflects on difficult stretch following loss to Berrettini.

Alexander Zverev of Germany leaves the court looking dejected during day three of the Rolex Monte-Carlo 2025 Masters 1000 on April 8, 2025, in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Photo by Pascal Della Zuana/Icon Sport

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Alexander Zverev laments poor form after Monte-Carlo Masters exit, describing his performance as one of the lowest points in recent months. The world number two was defeated in three sets by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the opening round on Tuesday local time, adding to what he admits has been a deeply frustrating stretch of tennis.

“This is the worst period since I was injured for the last few months,” Zverev said during his post-match press conference, as shared by the ATP on Wednesday. He had reason to be blunt. After taking the first set 6-2, Zverev allowed the match to slip away, ultimately losing 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. His body language, particularly in the final set, spoke of mounting pressure and a lack of rhythm—issues he has been grappling with since his impressive run at the Australian Open in January.

A downward trend since Melbourne

Zverev’s early-season form suggested a resurgent year. He reached the final of the Australian Open, showing the kind of grit and control that had defined his best performances before his injury in 2022. But since then, the German has stumbled. Tuesday’s loss marked the sixth consecutive event in which he failed to reach the semi-finals or better. His post-Australian Open record stands at a disappointing 6 wins and 5 losses.

“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 one. That's the problem,” Zverev said, outlining his recent matches with visible frustration.

Even though he has faced strong competition, Zverev’s self-assessment is clear: the level he is playing at is not where it should be. “I think my level was bad, but that’s just my opinion,” he added, bluntly acknowledging that his expectations remain high and that he's fallen short.

Losing grip after a strong start

Against Berrettini, Zverev looked sharp in the opening set, forcing errors from his opponent and controlling rallies with deep groundstrokes. But once the Italian began finding rhythm on his serve and forehand, the tide turned quickly. Zverev’s movement slowed, his returns became less precise, and his frustrations grew.

Berrettini, for his part, executed one of his best performances in recent years. The Italian, once ranked as high as world number six but plagued by injuries of his own, showed grit and intelligence in his shot selection. His comeback win over Zverev was not just a personal triumph—it was also the highest-ranked player he’s beaten in several seasons.

“The game plan was the same but I changed my attitude and the way I believed in my shots,” Berrettini said after the match. “That made all the difference.”

A crucial stretch ahead

Now, Zverev must shift focus to the upcoming ATP 500 tournament in Munich, set to begin next week. Playing on home soil might give him the edge he needs to rebuild confidence. The German crowd has often been a source of motivation for Zverev, and a strong showing in Munich could help him break the cycle of early exits.

But the road won’t be easy. With clay court specialists entering their stride in the European spring season, and his own form in question, Zverev faces both external challenges and internal pressure.

“I know what I’m capable of,” he said, “but right now, I need to find a way to turn things around.”

Still seeking momentum in a demanding season

It’s not unusual for top-ranked players to go through slumps, especially when returning from significant injury. For Zverev, the psychological battle seems as tough as the physical. His aggressive baseline game relies heavily on timing and confidence—two things currently in short supply.

Adding to his woes is the unpredictability of the ATP Tour in 2025. Newer names are emerging, veterans like Berrettini are regaining their footing, and the familiar names at the top—like Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Medvedev—are maintaining high standards. Zverev must now recalibrate quickly to stay in the elite conversation.

The Monte-Carlo Masters has historically been a place where the top contenders fine-tune their clay-court games ahead of Roland Garros. Zverev’s early departure doesn’t eliminate his French Open hopes, but it certainly adds pressure heading into the next few events.

Zverev vs Berrettini: a growing rivalry?

Tuesday’s match also added another chapter to a developing rivalry. Berrettini now trails Zverev 3-4 in their head-to-head encounters but made a statement with this win. It was the kind of performance that reminds the tour—and perhaps Zverev himself—that momentum can shift quickly.

For Berrettini, the victory is a morale booster and a signal that his best days might not be behind him. For Zverev, it’s another reminder that form is fickle, and regaining top-level consistency requires more than talent—it demands resilience.

The road to recovery—mental and physical

Ultimately, Alexander Zverev laments poor form after Monte-Carlo Masters exit not because he doubts his ability, but because he knows what’s possible. The former ATP Finals champion has scaled great heights before, and his determination to rise again is evident—even if the results are not.

As he prepares for the ATP Munich event, Zverev must look inward. Confidence won't return overnight, but a strong week in Germany could be the start of a comeback.

“I’m going to keep fighting,” Zverev concluded. “That’s all I can do.”