Anna 
Can Alexander Zverev rediscover his form this week at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters?
The German star is hoping to turn things around after failing to reach the quarterfinals in his last three tournaments. Despite the recent struggles, Zverev remains confident as the clay-court season begins with the first ATP Masters 1000 event on the surface.
“Winning matches is key to building confidence and getting into the right mindset,” Zverev said Saturday in Monte-Carlo. “I definitely need to win some matches and play good tennis. Things can change quickly.”
He pointed to the Miami Open as an example. “I felt I was playing better there than I had before, but then I woke up with a stiff neck and couldn’t move properly. That was unlucky,” he explained. “Still, even winning just one match can turn things around.”
Zverev noted that had he advanced in Miami, he could have faced Jakub Mensik in the quarterfinals — the eventual tournament champion. “Maybe if I had more confidence, I would have been the favorite in those matches,” he said. “So, I hope things start clicking over the next few weeks.”
This stretch of disappointing results contrasts sharply with his strong start to the season. Zverev reached the Australian Open final in January, playing some of his best tennis before losing to Jannik Sinner.
Looking back, Zverev believes his post-Australian Open choices may have contributed to his current slump.
“I didn’t rest after Australia, and it took a toll mentally,” he admitted. “I was upset and tired, but I jumped straight into the South American swing without giving myself time to recover or process the loss. That wasn’t the smartest move.”
Now back in Monte-Carlo — a place he calls home — Zverev hopes the familiar surroundings can give him an edge. The two-time semi-finalist at the tournament says being based in the city has its perks.
“You feel more relaxed,” Zverev said. “Sleeping in your own bed and having home-cooked meals is great. My whole family is here. That comfort helps, but at the end of the day, it’s about winning matches and getting back into a rhythm.”
Zverev holds a 14–8 record in Monte-Carlo, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. In his opening match, he will face either Matteo Berrettini or a qualifier. If he meets Berrettini, it would be their seventh ATP Head2Head meeting, with Zverev currently leading the series 4–2. Their last encounter came at Wimbledon in 2023.
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