“I feel quite positive”: Alexander Zverev assesses form ahead of Monte-Carlo Masters 2026

Monday, 06 April 2026 at 06:30

Alexander Zverev celebrating at the Miami Open 2026

Alexander Zverev arrives at the 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters with solid results behind him, even if the title he was chasing never came. The world No. 3 reached back-to-back semifinals at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, maintaining a consistent level during the Sunshine Double.

Those results reinforce his position among the leading players on tour, but they also underline a familiar pattern. Zverev has been regularly present in the final stages of major events, yet still searching for the performances that convert those runs into titles, especially against the very top names.

In Miami, that gap was visible again in his defeat to Jannik Sinner, who went on to win the title and complete the Sunshine Double. Zverev remained competitive throughout, but the key moments tilted away from him, a theme that has defined several of his biggest matches in recent months.

Now, the focus shifts to clay. Monte-Carlo opens the European swing, bringing a change in conditions but also a return to a surface that has been part of Zverev’s development since his early years in Hamburg.

Encouraging signs despite missed opportunity

Zverev’s assessment of the Sunshine Double was measured. The results were strong, but not fully satisfying. Reaching two Masters 1000 semifinals suggests consistency, yet for a player of his ranking, the expectation remains higher. “I feel quite positive, of course. I would have loved to win an event," he said to Tennis Channel. "I feel like in Miami especially, I played really good tennis.”

His semifinal in Miami, particularly against Sinner, offered both positives and frustration. Zverev felt the match was tighter than the scoreline indicated, pointing to missed chances that could have shifted momentum, especially in the second set.

“The match with Jannik was maybe closer than the score suggested. I had my chances in the second set, but he won both tournaments. He was playing unbelievable tennis. Best player in the world, for sure, on hard courts at the moment. He deserved everything.”

Beyond results, Zverev highlighted changes in his game. He has been working toward a more proactive style, looking to dictate points earlier and play with greater intent from the baseline, something he believes is starting to show.

“The things that I worked on are starting to pay off. I’ve been trying to play a bit more aggressively and take the game on myself more. In those aspects, it was a positive few weeks.”

Adjusting to clay after quick turnaround

The switch from hard courts in North America to clay in Europe comes with little time to reset. Zverev allowed himself a short break before returning to training in Monte-Carlo, following a schedule that reflects how tight the calendar becomes after deep runs.

“I took three days off and then started training on Tuesday afternoon here in Monte Carlo. We’re all getting ready for the tournament. We don’t have that much time, but that’s a positive thing because that means that you played well in Miami and in the tournaments leading up to this event.”

Although clay is a familiar surface, Zverev stressed that the adjustment is never automatic. Movement, positioning, and point construction all shift, even for players who grew up on it. “You still have to get used to it. You still have to play in a different way. I’m happy to be on the surface and happy to hopefully be playing good tennis again soon.”

Tactically, he expects some continuity. While clay typically pushes players further behind the baseline, Zverev believes the improvements he has made in ball speed and aggression can still translate. “You play different on clay for sure. I think you maybe play a bit deeper in the court, but ball speed is one thing that I really worked on and on clay court I can still use that the same way.”

The start of the clay season also brings renewed attention to the physical demands of the tour. Zverev pointed to the number of withdrawals in Monte-Carlo as part of a broader issue, suggesting the schedule itself plays a significant role in the strain players experience.

“I think the surface is relevant. I think it’s our schedule more that puts us into suffering than anything else. We see how many pull-outs there are, unfortunately, here again. It’s something that I think needs to be reviewed.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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