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Monte Carlo, April 8, 2025 – Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini delivered a career-defining performance on Tuesday, shocking World No. 2 Alexander Zverev 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 in a thrilling second-round battle at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
Turning the Tide After a One-Sided Start
The match began with Zverev dictating terms. Berrettini, ranked World No. 34, looked overwhelmed in the opening set, which he lost 2-6. However, in a remarkable shift, Berrettini bounced back in the second, adjusting his tactics and showcasing newfound aggression.
“The game plan was the same, but I changed my attitude,” Berrettini said post-match. “If I was going to lose, I wanted to go down swinging.”
That mindset paid off. The Italian won 14 of 15 first-serve points in the second set, according to Infosys ATP Stats, leveling the match at one set all.
48-Shot Rally Steals the Show
At 5-5 in the final set and 40/40, Berrettini etched his name into Monte Carlo folklore. The pair engaged in a gruelling 48-shot rally, which Berrettini sealed with a pinpoint forehand winner. The crowd erupted as the 28-year-old broke Zverev’s serve to lead 6-5.
He didn’t falter this time. Serving for the match, Berrettini held his nerve and completed the comeback after 2 hours and 27 minutes, raising his arms as the packed Court Rainier III roared in approval.
Berrettini’s Clay Streak Continues
This win marks Berrettini’s 17th victory in his last 18 clay court matches. Last season, he captured titles in Marrakech, Gstaad, and Kitzbühel, and began his Monte Carlo 2025 campaign with a win over Mariano Navone.
“I grew up playing on clay until I was 19,” Berrettini said. “To be back at one of the biggest events on clay and feeling good is something I’ve really missed.”
Berrettini vs Zverev: Head-to-Head Update
This win improves Berrettini’s head-to-head record against Zverev to 3-4, but it’s by far his most significant victory over the German. It also marks his first Top-2 win on clay, joining countryman Lorenzo Musetti, who beat Novak Djokovic in Monte Carlo in 2023.
What’s Next for Berrettini?
Berrettini will now face either Jiri Lehecka or fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti in the third round. A potential quarterfinal clash with Casper Ruud or Alex de Minaur could be on the horizon if his rich vein of clay form continues.
Meanwhile, Zverev’s struggles on clay persist. After disappointing quarterfinal exits in Buenos Aires and Rio, the German now shifts focus to the ATP 500 event in Munich, where he hopes to rediscover his rhythm on home soil.
Other Monte Carlo Results
- Flavio Cobolli continued his momentum post-Bucharest title, defeating Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 6-2.
- Tomas Martin Etcheverry came from behind to beat Corentin Moutet 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
- Roberto Bautista Agut overcame Brandon Nakashima 6-2, 6-4.
- Tomas Machac stunned Sebastian Baez 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 and will next face Alex de Minaur, the 8th seed.
A New Clay King in the Making?
Berrettini’s resurgence on clay, especially in Monte Carlo, is not just a personal victory but a reminder of his all-surface versatility. After years of injury struggles and missed tournaments, the Italian is firmly back in the spotlight.
If Tuesday’s performance is any indication, Berrettini could be a serious contender this clay season — not just in Monte Carlo, but in Rome, Madrid, and even Roland Garros.
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