The clay courts of Monte-Carlo, usually a stage for Alexander Zverev’s commanding presence, delivered a stinging lesson to the German tennis star on April 8, 2025. The world No. 2, a two-time Masters 1000 champion on clay, suffered a shocking second-round defeat to Matteo Berrettini, falling 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a match that exposed vulnerabilities in his game. The loss capped a string of disappointing results, prompting Zverev to issue a raw, introspective statement about his struggles. “These past few months have been my worst period since the injury,” he said, his words heavy with frustration but laced with a determination to turn the tide as the clay season unfolds.
Zverev’s 2025 season began with promise. A finalist at the Australian Open, he pushed Jannik Sinner to the brink before falling in straight sets, a defeat that stung deeply. “I regret saying that after [the] Grand Slam final that I’m maybe not good enough,” he later reflected, acknowledging the self-doubt that crept in. “The final was not good enough. He was much, much better than me.” What followed was a cascade of upsets: quarterfinal exits to Francisco Cerundolo in Buenos Aires and Francisco Comesana in Rio, a second-round loss to Tallon Griekspoor at Indian Wells, a fourth-round defeat to Arthur Fils at the Miami Open, and now Berrettini’s comeback in Monte-Carlo. “I’ve won very few matches,” Zverev admitted. “I’m losing—it’s that simple.”
The Monte-Carlo match encapsulated Zverev’s recent woes. After dominating the first set with his trademark backhand and precise serving, he faltered, allowing Berrettini—a former world No. 6 battling his own injury-plagued journey—to seize momentum. Zverev held a lead in the third set, but critical errors in the tiebreak handed Berrettini the upset. “I have been losing a lot of matches that I feel like I couldn’t control lately,” Zverev said, pinpointing a recurring issue. “There is no reason for me to lose this match.” The defeat marked his fifth loss to a lower-ranked player this year, a stark contrast to his 2024 campaign, where he claimed titles in Rome and Paris and reached the Roland Garros final.
At 27, Zverev is at a career crossroads. His 23 ATP titles and Olympic gold medal underscore his talent, but the elusive Grand Slam remains a glaring gap. The pressure of chasing world No. 1, a ranking he briefly held within reach during Sinner’s suspension, has weighed heavily. “I have to look at myself a little bit, and it’s nowhere near where I want to be,” he confessed, a nod to the mental and tactical adjustments needed. Analysts have pointed to possible causes: an Australian Open hangover, low motivation in early-season events, or the burden of expectations. Yet, Zverev’s camp, led by coach David Ferrer, sees the clay swing as a reset. His 30-10 record on the surface since 2023, including a Madrid title, offers hope.
Off the court, Zverev’s resilience is being tested. A settled domestic violence case last year and ongoing scrutiny have added layers of complexity to his public persona, though he’s leaned on family—his parents, both former players—and his dog, Lovely, for grounding. “I’m going to do everything I can to be back in the same moments, in the same position next year,” he vowed after a recent loss, a promise that resonates as he eyes the Madrid Open (April 22-May 4) and Rome (May 7-18). These tournaments, where he’s tasted success, could be pivotal in rebuilding confidence before Roland Garros, a venue where he’s reached the semifinals twice.
Zverev’s candor about his slump sets him apart in a sport often cloaked in bravado. His willingness to confront shortcomings—admitting he “blew it” in key moments—signals a maturity that could fuel his comeback. As he prepares for Barcelona, where he’s entered to sharpen his clay game, the tennis world watches a player wrestling with his potential. “I want to win a Grand Slam this year,” he declared in February, a goal that lingers despite the setbacks. For Zverev, the path forward is clear: harness the pain of defeat to forge a sharper, hungrier version of himself.