Zverev’s Surprise Struggle: Not Against the Superstars
When you think about the toughest matchups in men's tennis right now, names like Alcaraz, Sinner, or Djokovic probably jump to mind. But for Alexander Zverev, the problem isn’t about facing these huge stars. It’s Francisco Cerundolo, ranked No. 18, who keeps throwing a wrench in Zverev’s ambitions.
Zverev didn’t hold back in a recent interview, admitting, “I hate playing him, to be honest.” And you can see why. The numbers tell the story: Cerundolo has a 3-0 record against Zverev, making the German’s usually strong game look out of sorts each time they meet. Their latest showdown saw Zverev tumble out of the 2025 Madrid Open, another chapter in a one-sided rivalry.
Cerundolo’s Rising Streak and Madrid Drama
What’s striking is that Cerundolo isn’t seen as an ATP heavyweight. He hasn’t reached the heights of Alcaraz or Sinner, but he keeps making runs deep into tournaments. In 2025 alone, he not only beat Zverev in Madrid, but also won their clash at the Buenos Aires ATP 250 quarterfinals. That Buenos Aires battle was tough—Cerundolo dropped the first set but bounced back 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. And don’t forget the 2024 Madrid Masters 1000, where Cerundolo handled Zverev yet again in the round of 16.
Cerundolo’s ranking and consistency point to a player whose confidence is growing. He reached the final at this year’s Argentina Open and put together strong semifinal appearances in Santiago, Munich, and Madrid. For someone working his way through the tennis ranks, that’s not too shabby.
What makes Cerundolo such a nightmare for Zverev? According to Zverev, it’s all about rhythm. Cerundolo’s tactics knock Zverev off his game, forcing errors and challenging his typical baseline aggression. While Zverev usually dominates players outside the top ten with his serve and groundstrokes, Cerundolo seems to be the exception to that rule.
Zverev, known for his mental strength, says he still feels positive. After his Madrid defeat, he explained, “My level of tennis was okay... I feel like my tennis is at the right spot right now.” He’s focusing on maintaining this shape as he heads into the Rome Open, a tournament where he’s found success in the past. Of course, there’s a big hurdle on the horizon: a possible semifinal showdown with Carlos Alcaraz, one of the true powerhouses on tour.
As the clay season heats up, all eyes are on whether Zverev can finally solve the Francisco Cerundolo puzzle, or if the Argentine will keep his spot as the German’s most frustrating opponent. Either way, Cerundolo’s sharp rise and Zverev’s determination to finally break this jinx add real spice to what could have been just another run-of-the-mill tournament run.