Playing or following the sport of tennis. - Baffled Zverev lacking title: Eliminated from Madrid "puzzling"
Alexander Zverev mulled over the reasons for his recent disappointing performance at the Madrid Open. The Olympic tennis champion had yet to reach the pinnacle of form for the French Open, as he still sought his first singles final of the year.
"It's particularly disappointing for me because I hold Madrid in such high regard. It's a tournament I've always felt I could win," Zverev explained on Sky, a pay TV channel. He reflected on his 3-6, 4-6 loss to Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo.
Instead of clinching the prestigious Masters 1000 title in Madrid as he did in 2018 and 2021, Zverev's run ended in the round of 16, just like in Monte-Carlo and Munich. This was the first time he had failed to progress beyond this stage in his career at the Spanish capital.
"I don't understand why I lost 3-6, 4-6 when I was holding the ball so well," a despondent Zverev said. The German tennis star had served with power and confidence, yet felt dejected on the court: "I haven't felt quite so helpless in my tennis career."
Former player Andrea Petkovic suggested this stemmed from fatigue. "It's not just physical exhaustion Danny," she explained on TV. "There seemed to be a lack of focus and observation from Zverev."
Zverev's lack of variety allowed tactically disciplined Cerundolo to dominate their initial meeting. Two breaks in the first set (5-3) and second set (2-1) contributed to the Argentinian securing a spot in the round of eight, beating the German in an hour and a half.
Zverev managed to win only four out of his last seven clay court encounters this year. With the French Open looming, he must find top form before May 26, when the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, held in Paris, starts.
Nadal bids emotional goodbye
Rafael Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion, faced defeat in Madrid after an emotional farewell to his supporters. As he prepares for retirement, the 37-year-old acknowledged the significance of the Spanish capital, claiming it held special importance for him. "I had the chance to say farewell on the court, one of the most emotional places for me," he said, reflecting on the 5-7, 4-6 loss to Jiri Lehecka. "Madrid meant more to me sometimes than a Grand Slam. These memories will stay with me forever," he added.
Jan-Lennard Struff gave the spectators in Madrid a memorable performance, despite coming up short against Carlos Alcaraz. As in last year's final, the 34-year-old lost 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7), expressing his disappointment. "I made a good comeback in the third set, but it's so bitter to lose," he remarked.
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Source: www.stern.de
