The 2025 Italian Open in Rome has been a stage for high drama, and Alexander Zverev, the defending champion, added a fiery chapter to the narrative with a blistering reaction to a reporter’s question following his second-round victory. The world No. 2, fresh off a commanding 6-2, 6-1 rout of Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli, didn’t mince words when a post-match interview took an unexpected turn. His sharp rebuke of what he called a “stupid question” has ignited a firestorm of reactions, from fans cheering his candor to critics slamming his demeanor, all while highlighting the pressures of a season where Zverev is fighting to reclaim his top form on clay.
Zverev’s performance against Carabelli was a masterclass in precision, with the German dispatching the world No. 60 in just over an hour. His booming serve and relentless baseline play left little room for resistance, marking a strong start to his title defense in Rome, where he won his first Masters 1000 title in 2017 and his second in 2024. The victory was a welcome rebound after a disappointing Madrid Open, where he fell in straight sets to Francisco Cerundolo, his third loss to the Argentine. Yet, it was the on-court interview that stole the spotlight. When asked, “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?” Zverev’s expression hardened. “I mean, I did, but I won a tournament two weeks ago,” he shot back, referencing his ATP 500 title in Munich, where he defeated Ben Shelton in the final. “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.”
The comment, delivered with a mix of irritation and sarcasm, drew a polarized response. Some fans on social media platforms hailed Zverev’s authenticity, arguing the question ignored his recent Munich triumph and unfairly framed his season as a string of failures. “Zverev was right to call it out—why dwell on losses when he just won a title?” one supporter posted. Others, however, found his tone unnecessarily harsh. “Most cringe player maybe of all time,” one critic wrote, while another questioned, “Did he have to be that rude to the interviewer?” Rennae Stubbs, a former Grand Slam doubles champion, defended Zverev, calling the question “ridiculous” and suggesting a better approach could have been, “How much more comfortable are you here in Rome after Munich?” Her support highlighted the delicate balance between a player’s sensitivity to scrutiny and a reporter’s duty to probe.
Zverev’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag, amplifying the context of his outburst. After reaching the Australian Open final, where he lost to Jannik Sinner, he struggled in Masters 1000 events, failing to reach a quarterfinal in Indian Wells (lost to Tallon Griekspoor), Miami (lost to Arthur Fils), Monte Carlo (lost to Matteo Berrettini), and Madrid. His Munich title, secured with a thrilling quarterfinal win over Griekspoor, was a bright spot, but the 28-year-old has faced criticism for inconsistent performances against lower-ranked opponents. “I know I didn’t play up to my standard,” Zverev admitted earlier this season, yet he remains confident, stating, “In big matches, big moments, I still believe the top players will rise.”
As Zverev advances in Rome, facing Lithuanian qualifier Vilius Gaubas next, the stakes are high. A deep run could solidify his No. 2 ranking, especially with Carlos Alcaraz nipping at his heels, and boost his confidence for Roland Garros, where he reached the 2024 final. The Rome crowd, known for its passion, has embraced Zverev’s fiery spirit, but his clash with the reporter underscores the relentless scrutiny top players face. Whether this moment fuels his drive or lingers as a distraction, Zverev’s blend of talent and temperament ensures he remains one of tennis’s most compelling figures, with every match a chance to silence doubters—or spark new headlines.
Did he have to be that rude to the interviewer? pic.twitter.com/RK5qRJk4nr
— Anna Vronsky (@vronsky_anna) May 9, 2025
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