Alexander Zverev slams a prestigious ATP 500
Alexander Zverev has decided to change his schedule compared to previous years. After the 2025 Australian Open – in which he hopes to finally win the first Grand Slam title of his career – the German champion will not play on hard courts like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The current world number 2 will participate in tournaments on red clay in South America, a choice that has surprised both fans and insiders. Sascha’s style adapts very well to all surfaces, but it would have been more logical to play on faster courts to avoid such a long trip before the Masters 1000 in Indian Wells and Miami.
The German player was certainly convinced by tournament organizers in South America through a hefty fee, especially after the latter had to cash in on Carlitos Alcaraz’s forfeit this year.
Unlike in years past, the 21-year-old from Murcia preferred to play the prestigious ATP 500 in Rotterdam and Doha before defending his title in Indian Wells in March.
Sascha explains his choice
In the press conference after his third-round match at the 2025 AO, Zverev was asked to explain why he signed up for the tournaments in Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro next month.
“The truth is that I don’t like the conditions in Rotterdam at all, I’ve never felt good there during my career,” Sascha replied with huge sincerity. “If we add to this the fact that last year I took a month off at that time of the season and that break had damaged me physically and technically, the ideal choice was the tournaments in South America. I can’t wait to see how these events are organized and to enjoy the support of the fans,” he added.
For the moment, Sascha is focused only on the first Grand Slam tournament of the new season.
The German ace reached the round of 16 without losing a single set and will face French Ugo Humbert on Sunday for a place in the quarterfinals.
Alexander Zverev Shakes Up His Schedule with a Surprising ATP 500 Choice
Alexander Zverev has opted for a significant change in his schedule this season. Following the 2025 Australian Open—where he aims to claim his long-awaited first Grand Slam title—the German star has decided to compete on South American clay courts rather than continuing on hard courts like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Currently ranked world No. 2, Zverev will play in the clay tournaments of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. This unexpected choice has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, as his playing style is well-suited to all surfaces. Many expected him to stick to faster courts, especially considering the grueling travel involved before the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000 events.
The decision appears to be influenced by substantial financial incentives from South American tournament organizers, particularly in light of Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to skip these events this year. Alcaraz, instead, will participate in the ATP 500 events in Rotterdam and Doha ahead of defending his title in Indian Wells.
Zverev Explains His Decision
During a press conference after his third-round match at the 2025 Australian Open, Zverev explained his reasoning for the change.
“The truth is, I don’t like the conditions in Rotterdam at all. I’ve never felt comfortable there throughout my career,” Zverev admitted candidly. “On top of that, last year I took a month-long break around this time of the season, and it negatively impacted me physically and technically. The South American tournaments seemed like the best choice this time. I’m looking forward to experiencing how they’re organized and enjoying the support of the fans.”
For now, however, Zverev’s focus remains on the Australian Open. The German ace has made it to the round of 16 without dropping a set and will face France’s Ugo Humbert on Sunday for a spot in the quarterfinals.
