On the eve of his 2025 Italian Open campaign in Rome, world No. 2 Alexander Zverev dropped a surprising revelation about the player who gives him the most trouble on the ATP Tour—aside from the formidable Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Speaking at a press conference on May 8, 2025, the 27-year-old German pointed to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo as his most daunting opponent, admitting, “I hate playing him, to be honest.” Zverev’s candid confession, laced with a wry smile, underscores the unique challenge posed by the world No. 18, whose 3-0 head-to-head dominance over Zverev has left the German searching for answers as he prepares to face Camilo Ugo Carabelli in the round of 64.
Zverev’s acknowledgment of Cerundolo’s prowess comes at a pivotal moment in his season. After a rollercoaster 2025, marked by a runner-up finish to Sinner at the Australian Open and a title in Munich, Zverev has struggled to capitalize on opportunities to close the 2,446-point gap to the world No. 1 ranking. His clay-court swing, including early exits in Buenos Aires, Rio, and Madrid—where Cerundolo dealt him a 7-5, 6-3 defeat—has been a source of frustration. “I think outside of the top guys, like Jannik and Carlos, he’s probably the most difficult for me to play,” Zverev said, comparing Cerundolo’s impact to that of the sport’s elite. The Argentine’s aggressive baseline game, relentless energy, and ability to disrupt Zverev’s rhythm have made their encounters lopsided, with Cerundolo’s victories in Buenos Aires (2024), Madrid (2025), and another clay-court clash leaving Zverev winless.
Cerundolo, a 26-year-old from Buenos Aires, may not yet carry the star power of Alcaraz or Sinner, but his 2025 season has been quietly impressive. With a career-high ranking of No. 18, he reached finals at the Argentina Open and semifinals in Santiago, Munich, and Madrid, showcasing his clay-court pedigree. His three career titles and consistent deep runs have earned him respect, but it’s his mental edge over Zverev that stands out. “I don’t know right now. I will have a conversation with the people around me,” Zverev admitted after a recent loss, reflecting on his struggles to find a winning formula against players like Cerundolo, who exploit his occasional lapses in control.
Zverev’s Rome campaign is critical, not just for his rivalry with Cerundolo but for his broader ambitions. Seeded to face Alcaraz in a potential semifinal blockbuster, he’s also defending 1,000 points from his 2024 Rome title, a feat that could determine whether he holds off Alcaraz for the No. 2 ranking. “I feel confident here. I really like the place,” Zverev said, drawing on his 12-match clay-court winning streak from 2024, which included a Rome triumph. Yet, the specter of Cerundolo looms, especially after the Argentine’s recent form and their one-sided history. Posts on X have amplified Zverev’s comments, with fans marveling at Cerundolo’s ability to “drive Zverev crazy,” as one user put it, citing the 3-0 head-to-head as proof of his psychological edge.
The Zverev-Cerundolo dynamic highlights the evolving landscape of men’s tennis, where the “Big Three” of Sinner, Alcaraz, and Zverev face rising threats from players like Cerundolo. While Sinner’s suspension until May 4 gave Zverev a chance to chase the No. 1 spot, his 6-6 record in key tournaments exposed vulnerabilities. Cerundolo’s ability to capitalize on Zverev’s groundstroke errors, as seen in Madrid where Zverev slammed his racket in frustration, underscores why the Argentine is a unique challenge. As Zverev navigates Rome’s clay, his quest for a second title there is about more than points—it’s about proving he can solve the puzzle of opponents like Cerundolo, who, despite flying under the radar, have the power to reshape his season.
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