Matteo Berrettini stuns Alexander Zverev at Monte Carlo Masters

In Monte Carlo, Monaco, a shocking result unfolded at the Monte Carlo Masters on April 9, 2025, as second-ranked player Alexander Zverev faced a surprising defeat against unseeded Matteo Berrettini in the second round of the tournament. Zverev, who entered the match as the top seed, was unable to maintain his momentum after winning the first set. The Italian, ranked 34th, took the match with scores of 2-6, 6-3, and 7-5. The encounter featured an exciting 48-stroke rally that showcased both players' skills, but ultimately, Zverev’s inconsistency allowed Berrettini to capitalize. Berrettini acknowledged that his performance was not ideal, but he altered his approach and played with increased aggression as the match progressed. The match came at a crucial time for Zverev, who has struggled with form since his defeat by Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open earlier in January, having won only six out of twelve matches since then. Zverev’s early exit at the prestigious clay-court tournament seems to be part of a troubling trend, as he has experienced several early round exits recently. In his post-match comments, Zverev expressed frustration over his drop in performance, stating that he felt he played 'ten levels down' after initially starting strong. The result has significant implications for the tournament, with Berrettini moving forward to face either Jiri Lehecka or Lorenzo Musetti in the next round. Defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas advanced successfully in his second-round match, defeating Australian Jordan Thompson, which highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament and further set the stage for an exciting series of matches. The Monte Carlo Masters is a key event in the run-up to the French Open, making this upset all the more noteworthy as players prepare for the challenge of clay court season ahead. With the Italian flag flying high and Berrettini soaking in the crowd's applause post-match, the atmosphere at the Monte Carlo tournament is electric. As players continue to battle for glory, Zverev's struggle may serve as a cautionary tale, reminding competitors of the fluctuating nature of elite sports performance. The rest of the tournament will reveal if Berrettini can sustain this momentum or if other challengers will emerge to claim the title at this prestigious event, continuing the rich history of the Monte Carlo Masters.