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Zverev Reflects on Disappointing Monte-Carlo Masters Exit After Berrettini Defeat
World No. 2 Alexander Zverev delivered a critical assessment of his performance at the Monte-Carlo Masters, following a first-round exit. The top-seeded German tennis star suffered a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 setback against Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday, in a tightly contested match that extended to two and a half hours. This latest result marks another disheartening loss for Zverev, whose win-loss record now stands at 6-6 since his Australian Open final appearance in January. This early tournament exit raises questions about Zverev’s current form on the ATP tour.
Zverev’s Self-Critical Analysis
Following this swift departure from the Monte-Carlo Masters, Zverev openly admitted to playing “terribly,” stating his level significantly declined midway through the second set. However, Berrettini offered a different perspective after securing the upset victory, suggesting he observed Zverev’s game plan differently.
Recent Form Woes for Zverev
Zverev has been unsparing in his self-critiques regarding his recent on-court performances. The German player has not progressed beyond the quarter-finals in any tournament since February. His early exit in Monaco, losing his opening round match after winning the first set, is another blow to his aspirations.
“Worst Period in Months”
The 23-time titleholder delivered a stark evaluation after the match. “I think it’s quite clear how pleased I am, isn’t it? I mean, I haven’t won many matches. So it’s been the worst period since my injury in recent months,” Zverev commented.
- “I played a great first set, and once I was broken in the second set, my level dropped dramatically.”
- “My ball speed decreased considerably. I stopped actively hitting the ball.”
- “It’s the same pattern as in the last few months. Nothing is changing. Ultimately, I am responsible for the loss once again.”
When challenged on the assessment that his third-set performance wasn’t entirely poor, Zverev firmly disagreed. “Excuse me, was that a question? I thought it was a statement. If you believe that, that’s your opinion. I thought my level was dreadful, but that is simply my personal view,” he retorted.
Mounting Losses and Frustration
“The core issue is that I am losing,” Zverev explained. “It’s that straightforward. If you secure one or two wins in matches like this, the questions disappear, both in my own mind and for all of you.”
He listed a series of setbacks in recent tournaments:
- “I dropped three sets in Buenos Aires.”
- “I dropped three sets in Rio.”
- “I dropped three sets in Indian Wells.”
- “I dropped three sets in Miami.”
- “I dropped three sets here [Monte-Carlo].”
- “And I haven’t won a single one of these matches that went to three sets.”
“I currently have no explanation [for my continued losses],” he confessed. “I have been trying to understand it for months now. I am at a loss.”
Berrettini’s Counter-Analysis
However, Berrettini presented an alternative analysis of Zverev’s game. He acknowledged being surprised by Zverev’s powerful start in the opening set.
The former Wimbledon finalist stated, “I wasn’t at my peak in the first set, and I must say that Sascha was playing tennis at a very high standard.”
“Therefore, to shift the momentum, I had to exert significant effort, particularly mentally, to reinforce my belief in my shots, trust in my tennis, and simply embrace the battle.”
Berrettini on Zverev’s Level
Upon hearing Zverev’s “terrible” self-assessment, Berrettini, currently ranked No. 34 in the world, added, “It’s never easy to be objective immediately after a tough defeat, but I must say that in the first set, he was playing very high-level tennis and was extremely aggressive.”
“Then, I believe when he observed me becoming more aggressive and demonstrating more confidence in my strokes, he started to concede court position slightly. That was my perception – that the momentum had changed.”
“From that point onwards, you could sense a shift. Initially, I was somewhat surprised by his approach. Usually, he might be slightly more passive initially and then attempt to gain court position. He began with a very aggressive style right from the start.”
“So, I don’t think his level was poor. I simply believe he slightly altered his playing strategy. But I also believe my own actions contributed to the shift, showing that it is also a mental contest.”