"I wish I gave him a bigger challenge": Alexander Zverev reflects on Madrid final defeat to Jannik Sinner
ATP
Alexander Zverev is ready to begin his campaign at the Rome Open this Friday, 8 May, against his compatriot Daniel Altmaier. The World No. 3 arrives in Rome after a heavy defeat in the Madrid Open final against Jannik Sinner – the only player who has beaten Zverev in the Masters 1000 events of 2026.
The German has seven Masters 1000 titles – two of them in Rome – and six other finals in the category. Last Sunday he could not celebrate in Madrid and was once again convincingly defeated by the Italian Sinner (1-6, 2-6).
Despite Sinner’s clear dominance in the Masters 1000 series this season, the player with the best results in 2026 in this category has actually been Zverev, who reached the semifinals in three Masters tournaments this year – in addition to the Madrid final.
“I've been losing to one man, but everybody's been losing to him,” Zverev said in a pre-tournament interview, after being defeated by Sinner in all four Masters 1000 events this season. “He's been a level—maybe two levels—above everyone else at the moment and playing fantastic tennis, so credit to him.”
“Even though I was a bit disappointed with how I played in the Madrid final, I wish I could have performed better and given him a bigger challenge. But he's been flawless.”
Zverev eyes Rome Masters success
Zverev is one of the players with the most experience in Rome. With two titles there (2017, 2024) and another final in 2019, he holds a 27-7 record at the Italian Open and defends quarterfinal points this year – the round in which he was eliminated in 2025 by Lorenzo Musetti.
“I love this place. I love Italy in general. I love the old city of Rome. I just enjoy my time here, and it always helps when you're on the tennis court,” said the three-time Grand Slam finalist. “I feel like you always play a bit better when you're enjoying your time off the court, and that shows in the results. Of course, I want to continue building my form, continue playing good tennis, and I hope to do that here.”
For Zverev, Rome has been a key event in his calendar, where he faced members of the Big Three in each of his first three appearances. He debuted back in 2016 with a win over Grigor Dimitrov in the first round – before being eliminated by Roger Federer in the second round. A year later he won the title – his first Masters trophy – defeating Novak Djokovic in the final, while in 2019 he was beaten by Rafael Nadal in the final.
“I think I was very fortunate to play against the best in the world and across different generations. I played Roger, Rafa, Novak. I've played Carlos and Jannik now as well, so I’ve been lucky in that regard,” Zverev said. “In a way, I wish I had faced them less in the later stages of big events, but it was always a privilege, and I always enjoyed playing them.”
The 28-year-old recalled in particular the 2017 final against Djokovic, a tournament he entered as the 16th seed and at just 19 years old, defeating players such as Kevin Anderson, Fabio Fognini, Milos Raonic and John Isner, before overcoming Djokovic in the final, in what was only their first meeting.
Zverev will now aim to win his third Masters 1000 title in Rome and return to prominence in the final major event before Roland Garros – where his biggest expectations will undoubtedly be placed. Zverev opens on Friday against his compatriot Altmaier, while he could face a potential third-round clash against 29th seed Tallon Griekspoor.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.
mandoist05-11-2026 - Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
