Alexander Zverev’s campaign at the Italian Open came to an abrupt end on Tuesday as he lost in the fourth round to Luciano Darderi. The German was seemingly in cruise control in the match, but a second-set meltdown followed by a disastrous third set meant that he fell to a 6-1, 6-7 (10), 0-6 defeat.
Alexander Zverev Stunned By Spirited Luciano Darderi Comeback at Italian Open
Zverev appeared to be set for victory against Darderi after winning the first set 6-1 and going 5-3 up in the second. But Darderi forced a tie-break in the second set, where Zverev spurned four match-point opportunities. Things then went from bad to worse for the world No. 3, as he was bagelled in the decider.
The 29-year-old lamented the conditions at the BNP Paribas Arena, where the slower, softer surface appeared to work against him. Normally a strong player on clay, Zverev seemed to be very much off his game, especially after losing the momentum in the second set.
The rapturous Italian crowd also spurred Darderi on to victory, with Zverev unable to muster up a fight in the deciding set. Things unraveled very quickly in the third set for Zverev, who blamed the conditions after the defeat.
During his post-match press conference, Zverev called it the worst court he has ever played on.
“It was difficult to play. I think this is the worst court I’ve ever played on. Juniors, professional, futures, practice, I never played on a court where the court quality is that bad,” he said.
“I have match point and the ball jumps over my head. I have break point, the ball rolls. The wind was tough. Overall, again, I just think I should have won the match in two sets. After that, yeah, he played fantastic.
The defeat means Zverev’s wait for a title on the ATP Tour continues. The two-time Italian Open champion has not won an ATP Tour tournament since his triumph in Munich in April 2026.
MORE: Jannik Sinner Gives Novak Djokovic Company in All-Time Record Amid Italian Open Heroics
It is now back to the drawing board for Zverev, who will have one more opportunity to end his title drought and get some momentum on his side before the French Open. He is scheduled to return to his hometown to take part in the Hamburg Open next week. He won the tournament in 2023 and also reached the final in 2024.
Meanwhile, Darderi’s reward for his upset win over Zverev is a spot in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open. The Italian is enjoying a dream run in Rome and will face the in-form Rafael Jódar in the next round.
You have the 3rd set score in the wrong order.