Alexander Zverev was in need of a strong performance at this week’s Monte-Carlo Masters tournament.
The world number two has struggled in 2025 following the Australian Open in January, where he lost in the final to Jannik Sinner.
Entering his next five tournaments as the number one seed, Zverev won just six matches, ending any realistic chance of him catching Sinner for the top spot in the world rankings.
Hoping for a strong start to the clay court season at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Zverev suffered another shock defeat.
Zverev lost to Matteo Berrettini in three sets, 6-2, 3-6, 5-7, as fans now share their thoughts on the German’s latest defeat.
Tennis fans react as ‘fragile’ Alexander Zverev loses fifth match from one-set up in 2025
Zverev’s defeat to the 28-year-old Italian was his fifth with a one-set lead in 2025.
- 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters 2R – Alexander Zverev lost to Matteo Berrettini, 6-2, 4-6, 5-7
- 2025 Miami Open 4R – Alexander Zverev lost to Arthur Fils, 6-3, 3-6, 4-6
- 2025 Indian Wells 2R – Alexander Zverev lost to Tallon Griekspoor, 6-4, 6-7, 6-7
- 2025 Rio Open QF – Alexander Zverev lost to Francisco Comesana, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6
- 2025 Argentina Open QF – Alexander Zverev lost to Francisco Cerundolo, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6
Several fans took to X following the conclusion of the match to give their opinions on Zverev’s defeat to Berrettini.
“[Alexander] Zverev definitely buckled under the pressure towards the end of that match, he is as fragile as it gets at the moment,” said one fan on X.
“I don’t understand what is happening to Zverev,” added another.
“Does Zverev remember how to play tennis?” one fan asked.
“The current form he is in is exactly why he may bever be a Slam champion.
“Too mentally frail.”
Some fans were disappointed to see Zverev’s poor form continue on clay courts.
“Different surface, same Zverev,” said one fan.
“Another pathetic performance.”
“Zverev has literally dropped the ball the last two months,” said another.
“Take away the competition, and he still can’t get to number one.”
Several fans suggested a coaching change could help Zverev rediscover his best form.
“Zverev it’s time to make that coaching change,” they said.
“Zverev needs a new Coach and maybe a new racket,” added another.
Zverev is currently coached by his father, Alexander Zverev Sr, and his brother Mischa Zverev is often seen in the world number two’s box.
Perhaps Zverev will make a change to his coaching team ahead of his return to action in Munich next week.
Matteo Berrettini reveals the change he made after losing the first set to ‘unbelievable’ Alexander Zverev
After the match, Italy’s Berrettini explained what he found tough during the first set of his win over Zverev.
“I wasn’t hitting the forehand and the serve in the same way that I was hitting it in the previous days,” he said.
“I had to adjust a little bit to the conditions, and I have to say, Sascha [Alexander Zverev] was playing unbelievable, really deep and returning a lot so it wasn’t easy.”
The world number 34 made a change in the second and third sets which helped him come away with the win.
“Then I switched a little bit mentally, I told myself to be more aggressive,” said Berrettini.
“Luckily, it worked.”
Berrettini then shared his thoughts on clay courts, a surface where he’s enjoyed real success recently.
- Won – 2024 Grand Prix Hassan 2 (Clay ATP 250)
- Won – 2024 Swiss Open (Clay ATP 250)
- Won – 2024 Austrian Open (Clay ATP 250)
“I mean, I grew up on clay. Until I was 19, I played mostly on clay; it’s one of my favorite surfaces,” he said.
“I missed three years in a row the biggest tournament on clay [French Open], that was really tough for me, and now I want to enjoy [playing on clay].
“On the clay, I always feel comfortable, and when you’re playing in a place like this, it’s always easier.”
Berrettini will return to the court in Monte-Carlo for his third-round match against the winner of Jiri Lehecka and Lorenzo Musetti on Thursday, April 10.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
