Zverev after his elimination in Rio: "It's a shame to end the tournament this way".
Alexander Zverev concluded his South American clay-court tour in the quarter-finals of the ATP 500 tournament in Rio de Janeiro.
The German was able to dominate Bu Yunchaokete and Alexander Shevchenko in his first two rounds, before losing out to Francisco Comesaña (4-6, 6-3, 6-4) on his way to the last four.
The German clearly missed his chance as he led 4 games to 1 in the third set, before seeing the Argentine come back to win the last five games of the match.
Last week, in Buenos Aires, Zverev lost at the same stage of the competition to Francisco Cerundolo, again after winning the first set (3-6, 6-3, 6-2).
Present at the press conference, Zverev made no secret of his disappointment, but also took the opportunity to praise the Brazilian tournament.
"I think I played at a better level than in Buenos Aires, but it's a shame to end the tournament this way.
Nevertheless, I've enjoyed my time here in Rio and I hope to be back. This is one of the best ATP 500 tournaments I've ever been lucky enough to take part in.
It's just unfortunate to lose in this way, especially as I was in a favourable position to win this match", Zverev assured us.
The German, who has played tournaments in Argentina and Brazil over the past two weeks, will not be present at next week's ATP tournament in Santiago, Chile.
His next tournament should be in Acapulco, which starts next week and will serve to prepare for the first Masters 1000 of the season in Indian Wells from March 5.
Rio de Janeiro 
