Alexander Zverev, the world number two and defending Italian Open champion, delivered a commanding performance on the clay courts of Rome’s Foro Italico, but it was his sharp-witted exchange with a reporter that ignited headlines following his second-round triumph. On May 10, 2025, the 28-year-old German dismantled Argentina’s Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-2, 6-1 in just over an hour, advancing to the third round with the precision and power that have defined his clay-court resurgence. Yet, the post-match interview took an unexpected turn when Zverev labeled a reporter’s question “stupid,” sparking a mix of admiration and criticism that underscored his polarizing presence in tennis.
Zverev’s victory over Ugo Carabelli, ranked 60th, was a statement of intent after a disappointing fourth-round exit to Francisco Cerundolo at the Madrid Open, where he fell 5-7, 3-6, dropping to 0-3 against the Argentinian. In Rome, Zverev showcased his baseline dominance, firing 20 winners and committing only eight unforced errors against Ugo Carabelli, a clay-court specialist still finding his footing at the elite level. The win marked a return to form for Zverev, who had clinched the Munich ATP 500 title two weeks prior, defeating Ben Shelton in a thrilling final. However, it was the on-court interview that shifted focus from his tennis to his temperament.
A reporter asked Zverev, “You’ve had a couple of early exits in the Masters this year, so how nice is it to get one under your belt here?” The question, alluding to Zverev’s struggles in 2025 Masters 1000 events—failing to reach a quarterfinal in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, or Madrid—struck a nerve. Zverev’s response was swift and biting: “I mean, I did, but I won a tournament two weeks ago, so I don’t really like to think about it. It’s your job, thinking about stupid questions, and the match is an hour long, so I’ll leave it up to you.” His retort, delivered with a bemused smirk, referenced his Munich triumph, an ATP 500 event that, while prestigious, sits a tier below the Masters 1000s. The exchange, captured on video and widely shared on social media, divided fans. Some praised Zverev’s authenticity, viewing the question as poorly worded, while others deemed his response needlessly harsh, labeling it “rude” and “cringe.”
The incident added another chapter to Zverev’s complex narrative. A two-time Italian Open champion (2017, 2024) and Olympic gold medalist, he has long been a contender for Grand Slam glory, reaching finals at the 2020 US Open, 2024 French Open, and 2025 Australian Open. Yet, his 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. After a runner-up finish to Jannik Sinner in Melbourne, Zverev struggled to maintain momentum, with early exits in Mexico, Argentina, and Rio. His frustration with electronic line-calling in Madrid, where he was warned for unsportsmanlike conduct after photographing a disputed ball mark, further highlighted his fiery disposition. That episode, like his Rome interview, showcased Zverev’s willingness to challenge perceived injustices, even at the risk of controversy.
Zverev’s outspokenness has often polarized the tennis community. His 2022 Mexican Open ejection for striking the umpire’s chair and a 2023 US Open confrontation with a spectator over an alleged Hitler-related phrase have cemented his reputation as a player who wears his emotions on his sleeve. Off the court, allegations of domestic abuse from former partners, though unsubstantiated by an ATP investigation in 2023, continue to shadow his career, with some fans referencing these in their criticism of his Rome outburst. Despite this, Zverev remains a fan favorite for many, admired for his work ethic and resilience, particularly after overcoming a severe ankle injury in the 2022 French Open semifinals against Rafael Nadal.
As Zverev prepares for his third-round match against Edvardas Gaubas on May 11, his focus is on defending his Rome title and building momentum for the French Open. With 8085 ranking points and a shot at reclaiming the world number one spot, especially with Sinner sidelined by a doping suspension, Zverev’s clay-court prowess—evidenced by his 2024 Rome title and French Open final run—makes him a formidable contender. His ability to channel his intensity, both in play and in press conferences, will be key. For now, Zverev’s “stupid question” clapback has added spice to the Italian Open, ensuring that his journey in Rome remains as compelling off the court as it is on it.
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