Alexander Zverev insists that Jannik Sinner was not 'unplayable' despite ATP Finals loss

Thursday, 13 November 2025 at 13:25

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byJordan Reynolds

Alexander Zverev believes the margins were fine in his defeat to Jannik Sinner at the 2025 ATP Finals, and rejected any notion that the defending champion produced unplayable tennis.

The German lost to Sinner for the fifth consecutive time at the year-end champion. He fell 6-4, 6-3, and that final score makes it seem as if the four-time Grand Slam champion easily won without much trouble.

In reality, Sinner was thoroughly tested by the world No. 3. Zverev created seven break-point chances and competed impressively from the baseline. Fans were treated to several exciting rallies.

Sinner bailed himself out by landing powerful serves on each break point he faced. By contrast, Zverev could only save two of the four break-point chances the Italian had, allowing him to secure a victory in straight sets.

In Zverev's post-match press conference, a reporter mentioned that he landed 87% of first serves in the opening set, but still lost it. That made the person ask whether Sinner is too good and found an unplayable level.

The three-time major runner-up rejected that. He thinks the match was decided by who took their opportunities better, and mentioned his answer to a previous question when he talked about the contest's high level.

"It's not unplayable. I had many opportunities. He had one, he used the chance. This is why he's No. 1 in the world, you know? He uses the chances that he gets. As I just answered the question to Ubaido, from the baseline, it was a high-level match. He just used his chances much, much better than me. That's why in the end he won in straight sets."

Zverev has often been fairly accused of being too passive in key moments, especially on the biggest stages. However, there was nothing he could do on any of his break points because of Sinner's serving.

Alexander Zverev had a clear message for Jannik Sinner after their 2025 ATP Finals match

Alexander Zverev is not shy about sharing his thoughts, including on matters related to the best players. For example, he caused a stir at the 2025 Shanghai Masters by claiming that courts are deliberately being slowed to help Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.

The 28-year-old also caused hilarity for his outrageously blunt admission before the ATP Finals that he would rather have had Carlos Alcaraz in his group instead of Sinner. That generated laughter from Ben Shelton beside him.

In his press conference after losing 6-4, 6-3 to Sinner at the ATP Finals, Zverev gave another short answer that sent a clear message. When asked to summarize the match in one word, the German gave a swift response about wanting to play him again in the final.

"Listen, I hope to see him again. It's as simple as that, this week."

Whoever wins Friday's battle between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime will join Sinner in the semifinal. The Canadian is a superb indoor hard-court player, meaning Zverev's semifinal spot is far from certain. It promises to be a superb match.