Alexander Zverev will enter the Miami Open as the top seed. World no. 1 is seeking a deep run following poor results after the Australian Open. The German has lost five of the previous nine matches, missing a chance to become the 30th world no. 1 since 1973.
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Alexander embraced a 69-21 score in 2024, lifting two ATP titles and wrapping up the season in the top-2 for the first time in his career. Zverev suffered only three defeats against the opponents ranked outside the top-40. However, he has already reached that number after only six tournaments of 2025!
To make things even worse, the three-time Major finalist experienced those losses in the previous three tournaments, struggling to bring his A-game and chase titles. Alexander collected 210 ATP points after the Australian Open, remaining miles behind Jannik Sinner.
Zverev will have to embrace four deep runs in Miami, Monte Carlo, Munich and Madrid to challenge the Italian for the ATP throne. The German entered the quarter-final at the ATP 500 event in Rio de Janeiro. He faced world no. 86 Francisco Comesana and stood as the favorite.
However, the Argentine stunned the top seed 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 for his first top-10 triumph. Alexander clinched the opener and led 4-1 in the final set. Instead of bringing the victory home, the top seed dropped five straight games to propel Comesana over the top.
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Zverev did not feel at his best in Acapulco, which reflected on his performance. He faced the 19-year-old Learnen Tien and suffered a 6-3, 6-4 loss in an hour and 28 minutes! Like against Comesana in Rio, Alexander led 4-1 in the second set, looking good to force a decider.
However, he faded from the court and allowed the young American to rattle off five games and deliver a notable victory. The German faced world no. 43 Tallon Griekspoor in the second round in Indian Wells and experienced another setback.
The Dutchman scored a hard-fought 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 winin three hours and seven minutes, earning his first top-5 victory and sending world no. 2 packing! Zverev clinched the opener before falling 5-2 behind in set number two.
The German climbed back and grabbed five straight games to move 6-5 in front. He served for the win in game 12 and got broken at the worst moment. Griekspoor claimed the tie break 7-5 and forced a decider.
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The lower-ranked player stole the favorite's serve in the 11th game and served for the win at 6-5. However,Alexander denied five match points and pulled the break back to survive and introduce a tie break. Tallon stayed composed and clinched it 7-4 for a career-best victory.
