WATCH: Video of Alexander Zverev storming out of Mexican Open after shock loss emerges amid rumored stomach issue scare
ATP World No. 2 Alexander Zverev made a swift and silent exit from the 2025 Mexican Open, skipping his post-match press conference after a stunning second-round loss to American teenager Learner Tien. Cameras captured a frustrated and solemn Zverev leaving Arena GNP Seguros, as speculation swirled about a potential stomach issue outbreak affecting players at the tournament.
Zverev Struggles Against Teen Sensation Tien
Zverev was far from his best against 19-year-old Tien, a rising star known for his impeccable defense and tricky left-handed game. The three-time Grand Slam runner-up made several uncharacteristic errors, allowing Tien to claim a 3-6, 4-6 victory.
Before the match, tournament organizers confirmed that Zverev would attend a post-match press conference, regardless of the result. However, after the upset, the ATP No. 2 rushed out of the venue, surrounded by his entourage, avoiding the media entirely.
🎥 Watch the moment below:
Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg has since suggested that Zverev is likely to be fined for skipping media duties.
Stomach Virus Hits ATP Players in Acapulco
Zverev’s unexpected exit has fueled speculation that he, too, may have been affected by the mysterious stomach illness that has disrupted the ATP 500 event.
Several top-seeded players, including Casper Ruud, Tommy Paul, Holger Rune, and Ben Shelton, have all struggled with similar issues:
- Ruud and Paul withdrew before their second-round matches.
- Rune retired after just three games against Brandon Nakashima.
- Shelton lost to David Goffin.
Ruud later cited “stomach illness” as the reason for his withdrawal, while Rune wrote on X that he was suffering from “food poisoning.” However, tournament organizers have yet to confirm the exact cause of the outbreak.
Zverev’s South American Swing Ends in Disappointment
Zverev’s early exit in Acapulco is the latest setback in what has been a tough South American swing for the German.
- Argentina Open: After a solid opening win over Dusan Lajovic, Zverev fell in the quarterfinals to Francisco Cerundolo.
- Rio Open: Another quarterfinal appearance ended in defeat against Francisco Comesana.
- Mexican Open: A shock second-round exit to Tien.
The loss also means Zverev may have squandered his chance to overtake Jannik Sinner as ATP World No. 1. Sinner, who is currently serving a three-month suspension for a doping violation, remains ahead in the rankings.
With Indian Wells and Miami approaching, Zverev will need to regroup quickly—both physically and mentally—if he hopes to bounce back. 🎾
