Title defense failed
Zverev receives a harsh slap against Sinner
November 1, 2025 – 6:35 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Just a few days after a thrilling final in Vienna, Alexander Zverev faced Jannik Sinner again in Paris. It became a clear affair.
Alexander Zverev suffered a clear defeat at the Masters in Paris and clearly missed out on reaching the final. The German lost to the Italian Jannik Sinner 0:6, 1:6 – after just over an hour the match was decided.
Even at the beginning of the game, Zverev couldn’t find his way into the game. The first three service games were lost and the first set was over after around 30 minutes. Unlike the final in Vienna, which Zverev lost to Sinner after three hard-fought sets a few days ago, this time the 28-year-old lacked strength from the start.
After his exhausting semi-final win against Daniil Medvedev – the game ended late at night – Zverev seemed exhausted. He repeatedly made simple mistakes, especially with his forehand. During breaks he collapsed exhausted on the bench.
The footwork in particular clearly caused problems for the Olympic champion. Many baseline shots missed their target and the timing was wrong. When the score was 1:2 in the second set, Zverev had to give up his service again, and then the doctor came onto the court. “My ankle is swollen,” said Zverev and was given painkillers. But by the time they took effect, the game had already been decided.
The physical problems run like a common thread through Zverev’s season. Back and shoulder problems kept setting him back, and pain in his toes also bothered him. He recently stated that the last time he played a tournament without pain was at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year.
After disappointing performances at the US Open and on the Asian tour, Zverev had recently stabilized again. The final in Vienna and the semi-final in Paris should actually give us confidence for the tasks ahead. But now there is once again a question mark over his fitness.
In a few days the ATP Finals will begin in Turin, where the eight best players of the year will compete against each other. At the end of November, Zverev is supposed to support the German team at the Davis Cup in Bologna – the first title since 1993 remains the big goal.