Alexander Zverev has failed to defeat Jannik Sinner once in their last five contests on the ATP Tour.
The last time Zverev defeated the Italian was in the fourth round of the 2023 US Open. Zverev beat Sinner 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.
Since then, Sinner has enjoyed a period of dominance against the German, most recently defeating the 28-year-old at the 2025 ATP Finals.
In that match, Sinner targeted a weakness of Zverev’s by utilising one particular shot to great effect.
Jannik Sinner’s down-the-line backhand is Alexander Zverev’s kryptonite
It is a well-known fact that Alexander Zverev’s weakest shot is his forehand.
The German, who has one of the best backhands on Tour, frequently hits his forehand with less potency than perhaps he could, resulting in missed opportunities to capitalise on openings in points.
Jannik Sinner knows this, and capitalised on the German’s weakness extensively during their recent battle in Turin.
Sinner has perhaps the best backhand down-the-line shot in the business, and he used this to great effect against Zverev.
Frequently, Sinner would shift the momentum in the rally by utilising this shot, steering the rally away from backhand exchanges and forcing Zverev to either go toe-to-toe with Sinner on his forehand, or hit a difficult forehand shot back down the line to Sinner’s backhand.
Sinner was then able to take charge of the rally on his forehand or exploit the open space available on Zverev’s backhand side of the court.
How can Alexander Zverev combat this tactic?
There is one simple solution to Alexander Zverev’s troubles against Jannik Sinner.
The German simply must improve his forehand – specifically, he must be more aggressive and more daring in his use of the shot.
Zverev often misses the opportunity to capitalise during points, frequently lacking the necessary cut-throat ruthlessness on his forehand.
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Against the likes of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev cannot afford to be passive on his forehand.
The German will need to improve this area of his game, or risk never winning a Grand Slam title in his career.
