Alexander Zverev voices serious Italian Open complaint after losing to Luciano Darderi

Alexander Zverev voices frustrations following Italian Open exit

Alexander Zverev was beaten 6-1, 6-7, 0-6 by Luciano Darderi in the fourth round of the Italian Open.

The German had multiple chances to close out the match but couldn’t convert and then struggled in the final set.

Afterwards, he criticised the quality of the courts at the BNP Paribas Arena.

Alexander Zverev calls out court conditions after loss to Luciano Darderi in Rome

The German was clearly frustrated with the playing conditions and didn’t hold back when asked about it afterwards.

“It was difficult to play,” Zverev said.

“I mean, to be honest, the court, I think, this is the worst court I’ve ever played on.

“Juniors, professional, futures, practice, I never played on a court where the court quality is that bad.

“I have match point and the ball jumps over my head. I have a break point, the ball rolls. Like yeah…

“I mean, you saw it. No? The ball rolls a couple of times. It’s difficult. The wind was tough.”

Zverev also addressed how his fitness may have played a role in his performance after recently being unwell following the Madrid Open.

“I mean, I did get tired,” he said.

“Whether it’s a sickness or I just played a lot of tennis…

“That’s one of the reasons.

“Yeah, I think I should have won the match in two sets.

Alexander Zverev looking ahead to French Open clash with Jannik Sinner

With Carlos Alcaraz pulling out of the French Open, Zverev has moved up to the number two seed.

That sets up the possibility of a meeting with world number one Jannik Sinner in the Roland Garros final.

Sinner defeated Zverev in straight sets at Madrid and hasn’t lost a match on clay this year.

But even so, Zverev feels he’s capable of ending that run.

Zverev hasn’t beaten Sinner in three years and has only managed to take two sets off him since then.

“Of course, there is no doubt he is playing unbelievable tennis,” said Zverev, speaking after his Italian Open defeat.

“There is no doubt that he is favourite. There’s no doubt about that. But again, I do have to believe that I’m capable.”

Zverev expects some extra rest before Roland Garros could work in his favour.

“Maybe this is a bit of a blessing in a bad moment for me. I can rest and recharge and be 100% ready for the French Open,” said Zverev.

The main draw for Roland Garros starts on Sunday, May 24th. Whether Zverev can make an impact remains to be seen.

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