Alexander Zverev explains the reason why he always struggles against Francisco Cerundolo after losing to him for the third time in a row
Alexander Zverev’s ongoing struggles against Francisco Cerundolo were laid bare after his third consecutive loss to the Argentine at the 2025 Madrid Open, where Cerundolo won 7-5, 6-3 in the fourth round. This defeat followed earlier losses in Madrid 2024 (6-3, 6-4) and Buenos Aires 2025 (3-6, 6-3, 6-2), leaving Cerundolo with a perfect 3-0 head-to-head record on clay. Post-match, Zverev offered a candid explanation, pointing to both Cerundolo’s superior play and his own health challenges, specifically his diabetes, as key factors.
Zverev acknowledged Cerundolo’s dominance, stating, “I felt like I played okay, but honestly, he played better than me,” and emphasized that his game was improving overall, with the loss hinging on “one bad game at 6-5 in the first set.” However, he also revealed to *Diario Ole* that managing his diabetes complicated his performance: “It was more complicated due to my diabetes.” The condition, which requires careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, can affect energy and focus during high-intensity matches, particularly on clay, where rallies are longer and physical demands are higher. Zverev’s frustration was evident as he slammed his racket in the second set, reflecting the mounting pressure of facing an opponent who consistently exploits his vulnerabilities.
Cerundolo’s game plan has proven uniquely effective against Zverev. The Argentine’s aggressive forehand-to-forehand exchanges, as noted by *The Playoffs*, disrupt Zverev’s rhythm, forcing errors from the German’s groundstrokes. In Madrid, Zverev committed 43 unforced errors compared to Cerundolo’s 31, with his backhand particularly shaky (2 winners to 17 errors). Cerundolo’s ability to seize critical moments, like breaking at 6-5 in the first set and early in the second, showcased his tactical edge. Posts on X, such as from @SoaringTennis, suggested Cerundolo has “completely figured him out,” highlighting Zverev’s predictable patterns as a liability against players who can match his baseline game.
Despite Zverev’s Munich title and seven-match clay win streak entering Madrid, his inability to adapt to Cerundolo’s clay-court prowess—bolstered by the Argentine’s 15 clay wins in 2025—underscored the challenge. Zverev’s diabetes management adds a layer of complexity, potentially affecting his stamina and mental clarity in crucial moments, making Cerundolo a formidable nemesis.
