Alexander Zverev recalls the ‘most unforgettable’ match of his career, ‘that was quite heartbreaking’

Follow us on Google Discover

Though a Grand Slam title still eludes him, Alexander Zverev has been incredibly successful in professional tennis.

The German has captured a total of 24 ATP Tour-level crowns, as well as a career-high ranking of second in the world.

Zverev‘s biggest accomplishment came in 2021, when he earned a gold medal for Germany at the Olympics in Tokyo, beating Novak Djokovic en route.

Like every other player on the tour, however, he has endured plenty of painful defeats; particularly at Grand Slams.

In a recent interview with Adidas Tennis, Zverev revealed the loss in his career that stung the most.

Alexander Zverev pinpoints the most painful loss in his career

When asked what the most unforgettable match in his career has been, the 28-year-old responded: “Well, there are negatives and positives.

“Negatively, probably the US Open final against Dominic [Thiem], where I really should have won the match and I didn’t, and I think it was quite heartbreaking for me.”

In the 2020 US Open final, Zverev was two sets up against Dominic Thiem, but the Austrian fought back to hoist a maiden Grand Slam trophy.

Zverev continued: “And the most memorable win for me, I would say against Novak Djokovic at the Olympics, and then I went on to win the gold medal, so that was quite special.”

The eventual gold medalist came back from a set down in his semifinal clash with Djokovic at the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic), winning 1-6, 6-3, 6-1.

Alexander Zverev’s next two Grand Slam final appearances

After the defeat to Thiem in 2020, Zverev returned to a Grand Slam final at Roland Garros in 2024.

He had put together an impressive run in the French capital that year, which included a victory over 14-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal.

Zverev met Carlos Alcaraz in the championship match, however, and the Spaniard beat him in five sets to win a third major.

His next appearance in a Grand Slam title bout came last season at the Australian Open.

After dropping just two sets en route to the final, Zverev fell to Jannik Sinner at the last hurdle.