In a stunning upset at the 2025 Monte Carlo Masters, top seed Alexander Zverev was knocked out in the opening round by Italy's Matteo Berrettini, who rallied from a set down to secure a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory on Tuesday. This match, held on the picturesque clay courts of Monaco, showcased the intense competitiveness of both players, with Berrettini's resilience shining through.
Zverev, the world number two and a two-time semifinalist at the Monte Carlo Masters, had entered the tournament with high hopes following a strong start to the season, including a final appearance at the Australian Open. However, his form has been inconsistent since that match, winning only six of his last twelve encounters. "It's been the worst period since my injury the last few months," Zverev admitted, reflecting on his struggles. "I played a great first set, and once I got broken in the second set, I played ten levels down. My ball is much slower. I stop hitting the ball. The same story the last few months. Nothing changes. So it's me who lost the match, once again. I thought my level was terrible, but that's just my opinion."
The match began with Zverev demonstrating his prowess, taking the first set 6-2. His powerful serves and aggressive baseline play seemed to set the tone for a potential victory. However, the tide turned in the second set when Berrettini, ranked 34th in the world, broke Zverev's serve in the sixth game, leveling the match at one set apiece. The Italian's confidence surged as he began to dictate the pace of the game.
In the final set, the drama intensified. Berrettini broke Zverev at 3-all, giving him a crucial edge. Yet, he faced a moment of peril when he failed to close out the match on his serve. After an astonishing 48-shot rally, Berrettini regained his composure and broke Zverev again for a 6-5 lead. He then seized his second opportunity to serve for the match, ensuring his advancement to the last 16 where he will face either Lorenzo Musetti or Jiri Lehecka.
Berrettini's victory is a testament to his exceptional form on clay, having won 17 of his past 18 matches on this surface. Last season, he clinched clay-court titles in Marrakesh, Gstaad, and Kitzbuehel, showcasing his ability to thrive on this challenging surface. Reflecting on his performance, Berrettini stated, "The game plan was the same but I changed my attitude and the way I was believing in my strokes. I told myself to be more aggressive and if I am going to lose this match, I am going to do the right things and luckily it worked."
For Zverev, this defeat marks another disappointing chapter in what has been a challenging season. After reaching the final in Australia, he has encountered early exits, including quarterfinal losses in both Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. His next tournament will be on home soil in Munich, where he will look to regain his form and confidence.
Meanwhile, the Monte Carlo Masters continues to unfold with other notable matches. Dane Holger Rune, the 10th seed and last year's runner-up, had to retire due to illness against Portugal's Nuno Borges. Additionally, Ugo Humbert was eliminated in the first round by Alexei Popyrin, suffering from a broken little finger sustained in a fall. Humbert, who has had a tough time recently, expressed frustration with his performance, stating, "I fell and hit my hand against a bedside table. I heard a 'crack' and I broke the bone."
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the defending champion, Stefanos Tsitsipas, who begins his title defense later today against Australia's Jordan Thompson. Additionally, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are set to start their campaigns on Wednesday, adding to the excitement of this prestigious clay-court event.
The Monte Carlo Masters always promises thrilling tennis, and this year's edition is no different. With surprising upsets, emerging talents, and seasoned champions, fans are in for a treat as the tournament unfolds. Zverev's unexpected exit serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of tennis, where any player can rise to the occasion and make their mark.
As the action continues, the anticipation builds for the next rounds, where every match could bring new surprises and dramatic moments. Tennis enthusiasts around the world are eagerly watching to see who will ultimately claim the coveted title in Monte Carlo.
