MusaIn a stunning turn of events at the Monte Carlo Masters, top-seeded Alexander Zverev was defeated by Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in a gripping third-round clash. The match, which ended with Berrettini prevailing 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4, marked one of the tournament’s biggest upsets so far and underscored Berrettini’s rising form on clay.
Zverev, who entered the tournament with strong momentum and high expectations, struggled to find consistency against Berrettini’s aggressive baseline play and booming serve. Despite rallying to take the second set, the German couldn’t fend off Berrettini’s relentless pressure in the decider. The Italian maintained composure in the crucial moments, sealing the win with a confident service game and clinching the match in just under three hours.
This victory is especially significant for Berrettini, who has faced injury setbacks over the past season but is now signaling a strong comeback. His performance in Monte Carlo not only knocks out the tournament favorite but also sends a clear message to the rest of the field that he’s ready to contend at the highest level once again.
For Zverev, the loss is a disappointing blow ahead of the critical clay court season, including the lead-up to Roland Garros. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency remains a concern.
As Berrettini advances to the quarterfinals, all eyes will be on whether he can maintain this momentum and potentially capture his first Masters 1000 title.
Musa
