Alexander Zverev says he knows exactly what his problem is after suffering another shock defeat at the Monte Carlo Masters

Alexander Zverev is being brutally honest about his recent struggles following a disappointing first-round exit at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The German, still reeling from his loss to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final back in January, has failed to rediscover his top form. His latest setback came at the hands of Matteo Berrettini, who mounted a comeback to beat the No. 2 seed in three sets.

It marks Zverev’s second opening-round loss of the 2025 season and extends a difficult stretch for the 27-year-old, who has now recorded just six match wins since Melbourne.

Zverev: “It’s a matter that I’m losing”

Speaking candidly after the match, Zverev acknowledged that he’s simply not getting over the line in key moments.

“I have not won many matches. So it’s been the worst period since my injury the last few months,” he told reporters.
“It’s as simple as that. You win one or two matches like this, and there are no more questions in my mind. But I lost three-set matches in Buenos Aires, Rio, Indian Wells, Miami, and now here. I didn’t win a single one. That’s the matter.”

Zverev started strong against Berrettini, taking the first set, but the Italian—who is steadily regaining form—stormed back to win the next two and advance.

Missed Opportunity as Sinner Sits Out

Zverev’s dip in form has also cost him a golden opportunity to make up ground in the ATP rankings. With World No. 1 Jannik Sinner serving a three-month suspension, the door was open for Zverev to challenge for the top spot.

However, with a 6-6 win-loss record since January, he remains firmly in second place. Sinner, despite not having played since his Australian Open triumph over Zverev, will return at the Italian Open in Rome on May 4 still holding onto the No. 1 ranking.

That tournament will mark a historic milestone as Sinner becomes the first Italian to compete in Rome as the ATP’s top-ranked player.