Overview

• Alexander Zverev was defeated by Lorenzo Musetti in the Rome Masters quarterfinals, losing 6:7 (1:7), 4:6 in a 2-hour, 16-minute match.
• The loss ended Zverev's title defense and dropped him from world No. 2 to No. 3, with Carlos Alcaraz overtaking him in the ATP rankings.
• Musetti's tactical variety, including precise stop shots, proved decisive as Zverev struggled with 36 unforced errors and missed key opportunities, including four set points in the first set.
• Zverev criticized the ball quality in Rome, calling them difficult for hitting winners, but his performance raised broader concerns about his consistency ahead of the French Open starting May 25.
• With this defeat, Zverev missed a potential matchup against Alcaraz in Rome, leaving his readiness for Roland Garros in doubt after a rollercoaster clay season.