Alexander Zverev also failed early in Miami. © APA / AL BELLO

Zverev crisis continues: Early exit in Miami

Nothing again – about two months before the French Open, Alexander Zverev continues to stagger through the tennis world. Even in his favorite spot, Miami, the 27-year-old failed to achieve the hoped-for turnaround.

March 27, 2025

From: dpa/sn

Before the start of his clay-court season, the world number two is puzzling ahead of the second Grand Slam tournament of the year in Paris at the end of May. At the Masters 1000 tournament in Miami, Zverev lost in the round of 6 to young French star Arthur Fils 3-3, 6-4, 6-XNUMX, collapsing dramatically in the final set after taking the lead.

"I was a break ahead in the third set. There's no reason to lose the match like that," Zverev said, perplexed. Zverev had recently given up leads and suffered early defeats in Indian Wells, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires. "I lose too many matches when I'm leading. I have to change that."

Let's get out of here

"I've lost a lot of matches recently where I felt like I wasn't in control. That was the case today, too. I have to focus on myself more than anything else," said Zverev, who just wanted to go home after the next setback. "To be honest, all I'm thinking about right now is the flight home."

Arthur Fils after his victory over Alexander Zverev. © APA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN

Before the start of the clay-court tournaments he so loves, Zverev now needs to carefully analyze why he hasn't been able to play his best tennis in recent weeks. Since his Australian Open final loss to Jannik Sinner, Zverev has been struggling to find his form. He has clearly missed his goal of catching up with the Italian world number one in the rankings with tournament wins.

Sinner safely in first place

Although Sinner, who is suspended for three months, hasn't competed in a tournament since Melbourne, he remains comfortably at the top of the world rankings. With his triumph at the Australian Open alone, he has earned more ranking points than Zverev in a total of seven tournaments.

The South Tyrolean will return to the tour at the beginning of May at the Masters 1000 tournament in Rome. Afterward, he plans to gain match practice at the Rothenbaum in Hamburg for the next highlight, Roland Garros, which begins on May 25.