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Zverev criticizes Musetti after his defeat in Rome: "He heavily relies on his opponents' mistakes"

Le 15/05/2025 à 08h06 par Adrien Guyot
Zverev criticizes Musetti after his defeat in Rome: He heavily relies on his opponents' mistakes

Alexander Zverev will not achieve the double in Rome. The German, who will be ranked 3rd in the ATP standings after the tournament, lost his title as early as the quarterfinals after letting his chance slip against Lorenzo Musetti.

Despite leading in the first set with a score of 6-5, 40-0 on his serve, Zverev ultimately fell in two sets (7-6, 6-4). Despite having four set points, the Australian Open finalist then cracked, confirming his current struggles.

Speaking at a press conference after his elimination, Zverev was asked about his opponent's performance and believes he should have won the first set, which could have changed the complexion of the match.

"I think he always plays the same way on clay. He heavily relies on his defensive game and his opponents' mistakes. Today, it was very difficult for me to hit winners.

The court was very slow, the balls were heavy. But I also have to say I had my chance. I had four set points on my serve in the first set. Usually, I’m able to win those kinds of sets, but, as I said, it was tough today," he stated before addressing the issue of the balls.

"It was a joke today. For three or four years now, we’ve been talking about the balls, the players talk about it all the time. They say we play with the same balls in Monte-Carlo, Madrid, and Munich.

But as soon as we come here to Rome, it’s completely different. It’s very hard to hit winners, that’s how it is now. For my playing style, it wasn’t easy because I’m always someone who tries to play aggressively, to serve quickly.

On this court, it’s tough to get free points," explained Zverev, who will lose his No. 2 ranking next Monday at the end of the tournament, for *The Tennis Letter*.

ITA Musetti, Lorenzo  [8]
tick
7
6
GER Zverev, Alexander  [2]
6
4
Rome
ITA Rome
Tableau
Alexander Zverev
3e, 6385 points
Lorenzo Musetti
6e, 4560 points
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SH321
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Still the same old Zverev. Chokes when the pressure is on.
zeblondin
0
The balls could be the same but they behave differently depending on the surface, no?
bogbot.tc
0
Used to be hard for Nadal too i remember him indicating. However he didn't moan about his opponent at the same time. Maybe Zev needs to start playing tactically, moving his opponent around and drawing more mistakes? Zev has added nothing to his game in 5 or 6 years to me and this is why he just hasn't quite got over the line at slams.
Paul M
0
Musetti played some inspired tennis. Amazing shots and the drop shot plus one was Zverev's undoing. Idk what Sasha is talking about.
Belinda S.
0
Belinda S.  just talking tennis
Doesn't every player do that? Some players rely on their defensive skills. Frankly if one player is making mistakes, and the other plays steadily it is obvious who deserves to win. Rather a silly statement to match the very rude on court interview earlier in the tournament. I do wish that Zverev had the same sort of temperament and character as his brother
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