Alexander Zverev may have reached back-to-back semi-finals to kickstart his clay-court season, but it still feels like he is underperforming.
After all, the world number three has yet to actually reach a final in 2026, and thus has not really looked like a threat for a title.
He has all the physical and technical attributes to be competing on all fronts for major honours, and yet, for whatever reason, remains largely uncompetitive, particularly when it comes to challenging Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Well, it seems like since his latest loss in Munich, where he was the defending champion, Alexander Zverev has now adopted the mindset that: ‘If you can’t beat them, join them.’
Alexander Zverev reacts after losing the semi-final in Munich
Speaking to the press after being blown away by an inspired Flavio Cobolli, he began by seeking to find an explanation for such a one-sided result.
Zverev had been comfortably beaten by a player who was yet to claim a top-ten win in his career, discounting retirements.
Do you really believe that Alexander Zverev can win a Grand Slam title?
He cited fatigue as a big factor for the result, admitting: “Yes, but I must also say, my legs were no longer there. I have played a lot of tennis; fortunately for me, I have played good tennis. Yesterday, also again today, I had a very difficult match.
“Today, if you are then 10/20% slower and he plays well, the match gets difficult.”
Zverev then admitted that the only remedy for this is rest, adding: “I think a few days off would also be really helpful. I have them now. I have six days until my next match. That’s more than I’ve had in the last few months. That’s why I think this has already been helpful, to use them wisely, and then hopefully in Madrid I’ll be fresher.
“I think I really need to rest myself. I think Carlos and Jannik make smart decisions, that they do not play every week, even if it’s Masters tournaments, even if there may be tournaments at home.
“The main goal is in Paris, to show the best tennis.
Should Carlos Alcaraz skip Roland Garros if he’s not 100% fit?
“I think that I am now in good shape. I have also played well the last few weeks. I think that I have also shown good tennis here, I must of course also remember my game plan.”
Elsewhere, the Munich Open final has been set, and Ben Shelton gave his opinion on Cobolli’s win over Zverev, previewing his showdown with the Italian for the title.
Alexander Zverev’s terrible semi-final record
As referenced earlier, Zverev has already lost two semi-finals this clay-court season, and five overall in 2026.
This is a phenomenon that stretches back way into 2025 though, as the 28-year-old has actually only won one of his last ten tour-level semi-finals.
Naturally, with six of those losses coming against one of Alcaraz or Sinner, those defeats can be somewhat forgiven.
Alas, stumbling against players like Karen Khachanov, Cobolli and an out-of-form Daniil Medvedev is not good enough for a player of his quality.
| Year | Event | Opponent | Result |
| 2026 | Munich Open | Flavio Cobolli | Loss |
| 2026 | Monte Carlo | Jannik Sinner | Loss |
| 2026 | Miami Open | Jannik Sinner | Loss |
| 2026 | Indian Wells | Jannik Sinner | Loss |
| 2026 | Australian Open | Carlos Alcaraz | Loss |
Zverev has admitted to changing his entire play style this year in an effort to become more of a threat for Grand Slam titles.
It feels like it’s his mental fortitude that truly needs hardening if he is to complete his ultimate goal.
