The much-anticipated second season of the Netflix documentary series *Break Point* premiered this week, and one of its most explosive episodes revisits the bitter rivalry between tennis stars Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev. For tennis fans, the show offers an intimate behind-the-scenes look at life on the ATP tour, and in this season, viewers are treated to fresh insights into the lives of established players, as well as introductions to new faces.
While Alexander Zverev is no stranger to global tennis fans, having made a name for himself as one of the sport’s top players in recent years, he was notably absent from the first season of *Break Point*. In this new season, however, Zverev makes it clear that he wanted to be part of the show to give fans an unfiltered look at his life, struggles, and comeback. The episode dedicated to Zverev goes deep into his journey, focusing on his recovery from a devastating ankle injury sustained during a French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal in May 2022. The episode also explores his battle with diabetes, his close relationship with his girlfriend, glamorous actress and model Sophia Thomalla, and the emotional highs and lows of his career.
**Zverev’s Comeback from Injury and His Feud with Medvedev**
The episode highlights Zverev’s determination and hard work as he fought to return to the court after a career-threatening injury. The German tennis star had feared that his career might be over after the injury, but through perseverance, he made his way back to full fitness and was ready to take on old rivals, including the controversial Daniil Medvedev. Their encounter in Monte Carlo in March of the following year became a pivotal moment in Zverev’s comeback.
This match was particularly significant for Zverev because it marked his first time back on a clay court since his injury. Zverev had made it clear before the match that he was not a fan of Medvedev’s playing style, and the episode dives into this aspect of their rivalry. Zverev’s feelings toward Medvedev have always been complicated, and in his comments on the match, Zverev didn’t shy away from criticizing his opponent’s tactics, even while acknowledging Medvedev’s impressive skill.
“Look, Medvedev is one of the best players in the world, but I also think that a lot of things that Medvedev does are frustrating at times,” Zverev said candidly. “He’s someone who knows how to play with the head of the opponent. I think there are a lot of unfair things happening in the game that he uses quite well to his advantage.”
Zverev went on to clarify that he prefers to win and lose by playing the game of tennis fairly and does not appreciate the use of mind games or tactics that he believes undermine the integrity of the sport. “I like to win and lose by playing tennis. I’m not someone who tries to do dirty games just to put your opponent off. That’s not how I was taught the game,” Zverev remarked.
Zverev’s brother, Mischa, also weighed in on the matter, expressing similar views on Medvedev’s approach to matches. Mischa was particularly critical of Medvedev’s tendency to engage with the crowd and the chair umpire during matches, which he argued can be a psychological tool to distract opponents. “Whether it’s talking to the crowd or talking to the chair umpire, he uses the whole stadium as a tool to win a match. That’s why he is so tough to play against,” Mischa explained. “You are focusing on closing out the match, and all of a sudden, you imagine a green elephant walking across the court. You would be like, ‘Why is that green elephant there?’ That’s because we are humans. You get distracted, and Medvedev knows how to draw energy from that.”
**The Monte Carlo Match: Tactics, Frustrations, and Medvedev’s Victory**
Their clash in Monte Carlo was nothing short of dramatic. Zverev, who had been in control of the match for most of the time, was visibly frustrated as Medvedev employed some unconventional tactics. Medvedev, in his typically unpredictable style, smashed a pole out of the net and took a bathroom break just before Zverev was about to serve for the match. These actions, which are often seen as unsportsmanlike in the tennis world, seemed to throw Zverev off his rhythm, and he began to show signs of mental fatigue.
It’s considered disrespectful in tennis to take a break when your opponent is about to serve, and Medvedev’s decision to step off the court just as Zverev was on the verge of winning appeared to be a calculated move to unsettle his opponent. This move didn’t go unnoticed, and Zverev’s coaching team, who were wearing microphones during the match, were heard discussing how Medvedev’s antics had disrupted their player’s focus.
“It was hard to keep my concentration,” Zverev admitted later. “There were things that started to get into my head. Taking stakes out of the net, toilet breaks… I’m definitely getting more frustrated as the match goes on.”
Despite Zverev’s early dominance, Medvedev saved two match points in a thrilling final set before securing a 6-7(5) 7-6(5) 7-5 victory. As the match concluded, the cameras in the locker room captured Zverev’s emotional breakdown. The German star was seen crying as his frustration poured out. “It was just painful to finish a match like that,” Zverev said, reflecting on the loss. “This is not how it is supposed to go. This is not how it is supposed to be. I felt like that moment of breakthrough, of having that one result and being back to yourself, it slipped away.”
**Zverev’s Disrespect for Medvedev and the Growing Tension**
Zverev’s coaching team expressed their disdain for Medvedev’s actions, saying they had “lost all respect” for him. This moment of raw emotion and intense frustration has added fuel to an already fiery rivalry, which is bound to escalate in future encounters. The behind-the-scenes footage from *Break Point* provides an unprecedented look at the mental and emotional toll that this kind of competition can have on top-level athletes.
This episode of *Break Point* shows just how much is at stake for both players, not only in terms of their career but also in their ongoing rivalry. It’s clear that Zverev and Medvedev’s feud is far from over, and their next match promises to be even more intense. As these two explosive competitors continue to clash on the court, fans are sure to witness more high-stakes drama and psychological warfare, making their future matchups some of the most anticipated events in tennis.