MONTE CARLO, MONACO – Alexander Zverev’s spring struggles deepened on Tuesday as he suffered an opening-round defeat to Matteo Berrettini at the 2025 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, falling 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a two-hour, 28-minute clash on Court Rainier III.
Despite entering the tournament as the top seed and still ranked world No. 2, Zverev has now managed just six wins since finishing runner-up to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open. The German has dropped four of his last six matches, including early exits at Indian Wells and Miami, where he was unable to close out matches after winning the first set.
There were high expectations for Zverev this spring. With Sinner temporarily sidelined due to a three-month anti-doping suspension, Zverev had a legitimate chance to challenge for the No. 1 spot. But his form has wavered, and the loss to Berrettini puts additional pressure on the German as he faces a tough stretch of ranking points to defend over the clay season.
Zverev started the match strongly, breaking Berrettini twice to claim the opening set 6-2. But the Italian, a former world No. 6 and now just shy of his 29th birthday, settled in during the second set. A lone break was all he needed to level the match.
The third set saw both men trade service holds early, but it was Berrettini who made the breakthrough first, converting a break point in the eighth game and holding for a 5-3 lead. Zverev briefly rallied, breaking back to even things at 5-5. However, Berrettini responded with an inspired rally to break again and earn another chance to serve for the match.
This time, the Italian held firm. A deep backhand slice set up match point, and a forehand error from Zverev sealed the upset.
Final Score:
R32 – Men’s Singles
🇩🇪 A. Zverev (1) 6-3-5
🇮🇹 M. Berrettini 2-6-7
Berrettini now advances to the third round in Monte Carlo, continuing his strong return to form following a quarterfinal appearance in Miami, where he pushed 2022 champion Taylor Fritz to the limit.
For Zverev, the result adds to a disappointing spring and raises fresh questions ahead of a pivotal clay-court swing, where he must defend his Italian Open title and Roland Garros final.
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