Alexander Zverev admits the big mistake he made after losing the Australian Open final to Jannik Sinner

Alexander Zverev has snapped his slump at the Miami Open, clawing back form after a rocky stretch since falling to Jannik Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open final. The German hit a low at Indian Wells, managing just four wins in eight matches post-Melbourne. His confidence—and especially his serve—took a beating, but a first-round victory over Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in Miami marked his first win since February. In its wake, Zverev opened up about the mental toll of that Sinner loss.

“I made mistakes after the Australian Open,” Zverev admitted in his post-match presser. “Mentally, it was brutal—I felt I could’ve won the tournament. Jannik outplayed me, plain and simple, and it crushed me. Another final lost.” Devastated on Rod Laver Arena, he rushed back to training the next day, skipping any chance to process the defeat. “I didn’t let my mind breathe or take care of myself—I hit the practice court and bolted to South America. Bad call.”

The fallout showed: lackluster results in Buenos Aires, Rio, Acapulco, and Indian Wells, where he crashed out early to Tallon Griekspoor. Yet, he now sees that loss as a twisted blessing. “I didn’t want to lose, ever, but it gave me two weeks to reset,” he said. “I wasn’t playing well—couldn’t even lean on my usual strengths. That break let me work on my game and my head, so I could start fresh here.” Unlike post-Australia, he lingered in California after Indian Wells, stepping back from tennis. “I stayed at a resort there till Thursday or Friday of week two, keeping it private, away from the grind,” he explained.

Zverev’s candor reflects a shift as he eyes a deep Miami run. Next up: a third-round clash with Jordan Thompson, their fifth meeting, with the head-to-head knotted at 2-2. After months of stumbles, the world No. 2 is banking on this reboot to reclaim his edge.