“Alexander Zverev should announce his retirement” – Fans slam German after he loses Halle final spot to Daniil Medvedev

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev faced intense backlash from some fans following his 7-6(3), 6-7(1), 6-4 defeat to Daniil Medvedev in the Terra Wortmann Open semifinals in Halle, Germany, per ATP Tour. The nearly three-hour match saw Medvedev, ranked No. 11, secure his first final in 15 months, extending his head-to-head lead over Zverev to 13-7 with a fourth consecutive win, per NBC Sports. X posts, like @TennisCritic22, expressed frustration, with one stating, “Alexander Zverev should announce his retirement. Another big match, another choke against Medvedev,” while @SportsRage123 called his performance “embarrassing for a No. 3,” per.

Zverev, who battled illness during his quarterfinal win over Flavio Cobolli, showed resilience, saving three match points in the second set and dominating the tiebreak, per Tennis365. However, Medvedev’s 12 winners to Zverev’s six in the third set proved decisive, per ATP Tour. Despite the loss, Zverev, a two-time Halle finalist (2016, 2017), remains a top contender, with a 35-13 record in 2025 and a Munich title, per ESPN. Some fans defended him, with @ZverevFanDE noting, “He’s been sick and still pushed Medvedev to three sets. Retirement talk is ridiculous,” per. Zverev’s grass-court quest continues at Wimbledon, starting June 30, where he seeks his first major title, per BBC Sport.