Alexander Zverev calls out reporter’s ‘stupid question’ after his second-round win at the Italian Open

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Alexander Zverev was looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeat in Madrid, when he returned to action in Rome.

World number two, Zverev, lost to Francisco Cerundolo, 5-7, 3-6, in the fourth round of the 2025 Madrid Open.

The defeat saw Zverev slip to 0-3 in the head-to-head with Cerundolo, as he continues to struggle against the Argentinian star.

Returning to competition at the Italian Open, Zverev produced a commanding display against Cerundolo’s countryman, Camilo Ugo Carabelli, booking his place in the third round with a 6-2, 6-1 win.

The story of the day came after the match, however, when Zverev expressed his disappointment with a reporter after he asked him a ‘stupid question’.

Alexander Zverev said he’ll leave it up to reporters to ask ‘stupid questions’ after Rome win

After the German’s 6-2, 6-1 win over Ugo Carabelli, a reporter spoke to Zverev during the on-court interview.

“You’ve had a couple of early exits in the Masters this year, so how nice is it to get one under your belt here?” the reporter asked.

Zverev was unimpressed with the question, reminding the reporter of his recent victory in Munich.

“I mean, I did, but I won a tournament two weeks ago,” he said.

“I don’t really like to think about it. It’s your job, thinking about stupid questions, and the match is an hour long, so I’ll leave it up to you.”

Zverev beat Ben Shelton in the Munich ATP 500 final recently, lifting his first title of the season in front of his home crowd.

His win in Munich was, however, at the level below the Masters 1000s, where, in fairness to the reporter, Zverev has struggled so far in 2025.

Alexander Zverev’s 2025 struggles at Masters 1000 tournaments

Four events into the 2025 Masters 1000 campaign, Zverev is the only player ranked inside the ATP Top ten (barring Jannik Sinner) yet to reach a quarterfinal.

Prior to his win over Ugo Carabelli in Rome, the 28-year-old was level for the year at 4-4 in Masters 1000 tournaments.

• 2025 Indian Wells – Alexander Zverev lost in 2R to Tallon Griekspoor, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7
• 2025 Miami Open – Alexander Zverev lost in 4R to Arthur Fils, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6
• 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters – Alexander Zverev lost in 2R to Matteo Berrettini, 6-2, 3-6, 5-7
• 2025 Madrid Open – Alexander Zverev lost in 4R to Francisco Cerundolo, 5-7, 3-6

Zverev’s defeat to Tallon Griekspoor in his opening match at Indian Wells was arguably the worst of the lot, losing a three-set thriller to the Dutch world number 43.

The 28-year-old would no doubt love to break through to reach his first Masters 1000 quarterfinal of the year in Rome, as he looks to defend the title he won in 2024.

Who does Alexander Zverev have to beat to retain his Italian Open title?

Next up for Zverev in Rome is Lithuanian qualifier Vilius Gaubas, who is currently ranked outside the world’s top 150.

He will be a heavy favorite for that match, but could face several tough tests should he progress through the tournament.

Alexander Zverev’s route to the Rome title (By ranking)

• 3R – Vilius Gaubas
• 4R – Arthur Fils
• QF – Lorenzo Musetti
• SF – Carlos Alcaraz
• F – Jannik Sinner

Frenchman Arthur Fils could await Zverev in the fourth round, someone who has beaten the German in two of their previous three meetings.

In-form Lorenzo Musetti wouldn’t be an easy match for Zverev either, and the same can of course be said for Grand Slam winners Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Only time will tell if Zverev can come through to win the Italian Open once more, but it certainly looks like he’ll have his work cut out for him.

Zverev will return to the court to take on Gaubas in the third round on Sunday, May 11.