Tennis Perplexed Zverev without title form: Out in Madrid “confusing”
Alexander Zverev (l) failed in Madrid against Francisco Cerundolo. photo
© Manu Fernandez/AP/dpa
Alexander Zverev still hasn’t found his top clay court game for the French Open. The Olympic champion fails early in Madrid. Another tennis star says goodbye with great emotions.
Alexander Zverev was at a loss looking for the reasons for the next big disappointment. Even at the round of 16 exit in Madrid, the Olympic tennis champion was still far from winning the French Open and is still waiting for his first singles final of the year.
“This is disappointing for me because it is in Madrid. This is a tournament that I really enjoy and where I have the feeling that I can always win,” said Zverev with his arms folded on the pay TV channel Sky the 3:6, 4:6 against the Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo.
Instead of winning the Masters 1000 tournament on the quick ashes in the Spanish capital like in 2018 and 2021, it was an early end for the 27-year-old, as was the case recently in Monte Carlo (round of 16) and Munich (quarterfinals). Zverev has never failed in his career in Madrid.
“No chance on the pitch”
“It’s confusing for me when I have the ball on my racket like this and then I lose 3:6, 4:6,” he said soberly. The German number one complained that he served hard and confidently and “still felt a bit without a chance on the court”: “I haven’t had that for a long time in my tennis career.”
Former tennis player Andrea Petkovic analyzed as a TV expert that it was clear that Zverev was tired. “And by that I don’t mean physically tired. Somehow the ability to observe was lacking today.”
Zverev didn’t play with enough variety to put the tactically disciplined Cerundolo in more trouble in the first direct duel. Two breaks were enough for the Argentine to make it 5:3 (1st set) and 2:1 (2nd set) to secure his place in the top eight after an hour and a half.
Zverev has only won four of seven clay court games so far this year. Time before the French Open is running short. The Hamburg native now has to play his way into title condition for the second Grand Slam tournament of the year at the Masters in Rome at the Foro Italico, which begins on May 26th in Paris.
Nadal’s emotional farewell
Rafael Nadal also wants to make a big impression there on his farewell tour despite another sporting setback. After the 5:7, 4:6 win against Czech Jiri Lehecka, the 14-time Roland Garros winner spoke with great emotions about his fans in Madrid, where he won the tournament five times. “I was able to say goodbye on the pitch, one of the most emotional places for me. At times, Madrid was more important to me than a Grand Slam. The memories will last forever,” said the 37-year-old.
Jan-Lennard Struff once again left a lasting impression on the spectators in the Spanish capital. As in the final last year, the 34-year-old from Sauerland missed a big surprise against Carlos Alcaraz despite a strong performance and narrowly lost 3:6, 7:6 (7:5), 6:7 (4:7). “I came back in the third set too, of course it’s really bitter,” said Struff.
dpa
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