As Alexander Zverev, the world’s second-ranked tennis player, arrives in Rome to defend his Italian Open title, he’s confronting not just opponents on the clay courts but also a wave of media criticism about his recent form. The 28-year-old German, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, delivered a passionate defense of his performance during a pre-tournament press conference, pushing back against detractors who labeled him the “worst world No. 2” after a string of inconsistent results. His fiery remarks, coupled with a renewed focus on his game, have set the stage for a compelling campaign at the Foro Italico, where he aims to reclaim his momentum and silence his critics.
Zverev’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. After reaching the Australian Open final in January, where he fell to Jannik Sinner in straight sets, he was poised to seize the world No. 1 ranking during Sinner’s two-month doping suspension. However, early exits in the Argentina Open and Rio Open quarterfinals—despite being the top seed in both—drew scrutiny. “I had a bad two months before Munich, right?” Zverev acknowledged, reflecting on the dip that saw him falter in South America’s Golden Swing, a departure from his usual February schedule. “I didn’t play great tennis before Munich. All of a sudden, I’m like the worst world No. 2.” His frustration with the narrative was palpable, as he argued that the rankings reflect results, not opinions. “The ranking system doesn’t lie. You get points for winning matches, you get points for winning titles,” he asserted, emphasizing his season’s highs, including titles in Argentina, Rio, and Munich.
The Munich victory, where Zverev defeated Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 on his 28th birthday, marked a turning point. The BMW Open triumph, his third at the clay-court event, showcased his resilience and ability to perform under pressure on home soil. Yet, his Madrid Open campaign ended in disappointment, with a 7-5, 6-3 loss to Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round. The defeat, coupled with a controversial moment where Zverev used his phone to photograph a ball mark during a line-call dispute, sparked boos from the crowd and reignited debates about his on-court demeanor. “I do think the media also loves to put players down, right?” Zverev said, addressing the tendency to amplify his struggles. His comments reflect a broader sentiment about the scrutiny top players face, as he noted that even Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have expressed dissatisfaction with their own results this year.
Zverev’s defense extends beyond his recent form to his belief in his potential at the biggest stages. “At the end of the day in big matches, big moments, I still believe the top players will rise. And I still believe that I am going to find my tennis for the biggest tournaments,” he declared, exuding confidence ahead of Rome. The Italian Open, where he triumphed in 2024 over Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5, holds special significance. As defending champion, he faces the challenge of maintaining his points tally, with 1,645 points separating him from Sinner. “World No. 1? It would be nice. I don’t know. I have not been there. I believe I will,” he mused, acknowledging the allure of the top spot while focusing on the present.
Off the court, Zverev’s career has been shadowed by controversy, including past domestic abuse allegations, which he has denied. A 2024 settlement with former partner Brenda Patea resolved a case without a verdict on guilt, while an ATP investigation into earlier claims by Olya Sharypova found insufficient evidence for action. These issues, combined with on-court incidents like the Madrid line-call dispute, have fueled criticism, yet Zverev remains steadfast. His peers’ support, evidenced by his election to the ATP Player Advisory Council, bolsters his resolve, though some players, like Daria Kasatkina and Sloane Stephens, have questioned the decision.
As Zverev prepares to face the winner of Camilo Ugo Carabelli and a qualifier in Rome, the tennis world is watching closely. His Paris Masters title in November 2024, where he dominated Ugo Humbert 6-2, 6-2, proved his ability to deliver under pressure. With the French Open looming, where he reached the 2024 final, Zverev’s blend of power, experience, and newfound mental clarity makes him a formidable contender. His passionate defense in Rome signals a player ready to rise above the noise, determined to let his racquet do the talking.
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