Frustrated Zverev Sinks Deeper in Monte-Carlo Mud
Dismayed Zverev Descends Further into Crisis
Alexander Zverev, sporting a scowl and devoid of his usual verve, trudges out of Monte-Carlo like a defeated soldier. The disheartened tennis ace drops his opening match against Matteo Berrettini, further tumbling into a whirlwind of despair and a worsening crisis.
Zverev—the world number two—aims to recapture his confidence in the heartland of his adopted home. But fate, it seems, has other plans.
His thwarted attempt at resurgence leaves him ousted from the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters event, painfully sent packing in the first round after a grueling 2.5-hour duel. This latest defeat adds to a steadily blooming string of setbacks for Zverev, whose victories have become increasingly elusive.
Known for his prowess on clay, the unlucky German finds himself ensnared by a prolonged slump in form. Berrettini claims the victory, dealing a severe blow to top-seeded Zverev, who hasn't claimed a title since losing the Australian Open final to the ambitious Jannik Sinner.
Monte-Carlo, where Zverev has made his temporary abode, has only seen two semifinal appearances by the 27-year-old skillster in 2018 and 2021.
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Struggling to Break the Mold
The loss also scuttles Zverev's hopes of surpassing Sinner in the ATP rankings before the latter returns to the tour in early May. Zverev had pinned his hopes on the European clay-court season as an opportunity to garner momentum. He gained support from former World Champion Boris Becker, who visited him thrice during his training.
Bemoaning his underwhelming performance, the distressed Zverev remarked, "I want to win tennis matches and reclaim my confidence." But Berrettini proved too formidable an adversary, dealing him a costly defeat.
Zverev started off confidently, breaking Berrettini right off the bat, demonstrating agility, and playing aggressively. He wrapped up the first set in 38 minutes. However, the second set saw both players hold their serve, with Zverev faltering at 2:4 and being pushed into a third set. Berrettini remained focused, clinching the crucial points and sealing the victory by breaking Zverev twice, invigorated by the cheers of the fans.
The relentless weeks ahead present a challenging endeavor for the Hamburg native, who faces the French Open (May 25 to June 6) as his only glimmer of hope. The next tournament in his lineup is the ATP event in Munich, which he has previously taken home in 2017 and 2018.
Source: ntv.de, dbe/sid
- Alexander Zverev
- Tennis
- I'm not sure if Alexander Zverev can recover from his recent string of setbacks, as his latest defeat at the Monte-Carlo ATP Masters event has added to his woes.
- Alexander Zverev, once considered a formidable force in tennis, received a harsh reality check when he lost to Matteo Berrettini in Italy, contributing to his growing crisis.
- Despite aiming to recapture his confidence in Italy, Zverev plummets further in the ATP rankings, with Jannik Sinner breathing down his neck and awaiting his return to the tour.
