Alexander Zverev is in a tough place right now. He started 2025 strong, reaching the Australian Open finals. But fell short against World No.1, Jannik Sinner. And once again, his dream of clinching his first Grand Slam title was crushed. The world watched his emotional confession, “I was just not good enough.” Attempting to move on, his efforts in Argentina and Rio showed promise, but he couldn’t break through. Coming into the Mexico Open, things took a shocking turn, leaving him more defeated than ever. And this time, it might come with a cost.
On Thursday, Zverev faced rising star Learner Tien, who recently defeated veteran Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open. Tien, just 19, stunned Zverev in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, becoming the youngest American man to beat a Top 3 player since Andy Roddick in 2001. This achievement marked a significant milestone for Tien, but it didn’t sit well with Zverev.
While Tien celebrated his victory, Sascha made a hasty exit. According to tennis journalist, Ben Rothenberg, Zverev walked out of the Acapulco stadium and skipped the post-match press conference. Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg noted on X, “Zverev should be getting a fine also today to add to his woes. He was announced pre-match for a win-or-lose press conference but instead walked straight out of the ATP 500 Acapulco stadium and into a car to ride away into the night, while Tien was still on court.” This move could lead to a fine, as attending press conferences is customary, regardless of the match outcome.
Zverev should be getting a fine also today to add to his woes.
He was announced pre-match for a win-or-lose press conference but instead walked straight out of the ATP 500 Acapulco stadium and into a car to ride away into the night, while Tien was still on court. pic.twitter.com/epsaAstI5N
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) February 27, 2025
Missing a press conference can result in varying fines, depending on the tournament’s rules. For instance, the French Open fined Naomi Osaka $15,000 for skipping a mandatory post-match press conference in 2021, citing mental health concerns. Similarly, Medvedev faced a larger penalty at the 2025 Australian Open, which included skipping a press conference, though the exact amount for that infraction wasn’t detailed. His total fine was $76,000 for various infractions.
Officials have yet to decide whether they will fine Zverev. In the meantime, it seems like the German is struggling on a court a bit, would you agree? On that note, tennis analyst Gill Gross seems to have insights into what’s causing Zverev’s on-court struggles.
Tennis analyst names reasons Sascha might be lacking on the court
After a tough February, Alexander Zverev’s recent exits have sparked discussions among analysts and fans alike. Top analyst Gill Gross shared his thoughts on X, “I’m not surprised Zverev struggled on this Golden Swing. And I don’t know if it’s 1) Australian Open Hangover 2) Low Motivation February 3) Pressure From No. 1 Ranking Opportunity. But the fact that I could come up with three possible theories is exactly the point.” It’s clear that Zverev is facing some serious challenges.
However, Zverev’s humor didn’t fail as he joked about Jannik Sinner’s absence from court caused by the doping ban, suggesting he’s “ahead this time.” But jokes aside, Sinner’s significant lead in ranking points and Zverev’s recent struggles on the court have put those getting ahead talks on hold. Zverev’s father believes his lingering injury issues might be a factor. Two years ago, Zverev suffered a devastating ankle injury at the 2022 French Open while facing Rafael Nadal. This not only shattered his Grand Slam dreams but also dropped him out of the ATP top 20.
Despite the doubts surrounding his comeback, Zverev has shown remarkable resilience. He returned to the court, full of vengeance, reaching the quarterfinals of Indian Wells and the Canadian Open. As well as the semifinals of the Miami Open and Cincinnati Masters. Now at No. 2 in the ATP rankings, Zverev still feels the effects of that injury. His father reflected on their journey, stating, “It was a very difficult moment here for Sascha as well without exception. It was a very difficult period but when it happened, we just switched our focus from the usual attention to tennis to what was necessary for the recovery.”
As Sascha now heads into the Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami, he must recharge fast. Can he find his rhythm again? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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