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*.