Darderi earns Italian upset with defeat of Zverev

Second seed Alexander Zverev struggled late in the second set but was unable to close out a straight set win exiting in the Rome Masters fourth round 1-6, 7-6, 6-0 on Tuesday to Italy’s Luciano Darderi.

The German second seed with titles here in 2017 and 2024 was unable to convert on four match points in the second set, with his 20thb ranked opponent scoring the win of his life as he swet the final set.

Zverev, losing finalist last month in Madrid to Jannik Sinner, said he was feelinh the weight of 17 clay matches over the last six weeks.

“I did get tired.

Whether it’s a sickness or I just played a lot of tennis,,,,,,That’s one of the reasons.

I should have won the match in two sets . Of course the third set went for him.

He played amazing tennis.

Zverev complained about the condition of the secondary showcourt match venue.

To be honest, I think this is the worst court I have ever played on., Juniors, professional, futures, practice.

I’ve never played on a court where the (clay) quality is that bad.

I have match point and the ball jumps over my head.

I have break point , the ball rolls.

The German admitted that taking a break before the May 24 start of Roland Garros may do him good.

“Maybe this is a bit of a blessing in a bad moment for me.

I can rest, recharge, and be 100% ready for the French Open.

I can take a couple of days off .

I have almost two weeks now until my next match.

I hope I can use that time wisely”