Alexander Zverev Slammed for Post-Match Tantrum Ahead of French Open
Tennis star Alexander Zverev faces fierce backlash after his explosive reaction to a shock defeat at the Italian Open, with Serena Williams’ former coach Rennae Stubbs branding his behavior “pathetic” and questioning his championship mentality.
Zverev, the world No. 3, crashed out of the Rome quarter-finals earlier this month after a 7-6(1), 6-4 loss to Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti. The German later launched a tirade against both his opponent and the tournament’s equipment, calling the balls “a joke” and accusing Musetti of relying on defensive tactics.
“You’re a P***y When You Don’t Go For It”
Stubbs, a six-time Grand Slam doubles champion and former coach to Serena Williams, tore into Zverev on her podcast, Racquet’s Rennae Stubbs.
“Your forehand is a bigger pusher shot [than Musetti’s]. You hate playing him because he slices to your forehand, and you’re 17 feet tall with the worst grip,” she fumed. “You’re a p***y when you don’t go for it. That’s why you’ll never win a Grand Slam.”
She contrasted Zverev’s complaints with the attitudes of tennis legends: “When did Rafa, Roger, or Novak ever whine about balls? Great players adapt.”
Zverev’s Controversial Season
The criticism comes as Zverev prepares for his French Open opener against Learner Tien, who stunned him at February’s Mexican Open. Despite reaching the Australian Open final and winning Munich’s BMW Open, the third seed has struggled on clay, suffering early exits in Monte Carlo, Madrid, and Rome.
His rocky road to Roland Garros hit another snag when his flight to Paris was struck by lightning, forcing an emergency landing. Zverev laughed off the incident but hinted at broader frustrations, citing Carlos Alcaraz’s 2023 turnaround as proof top players can rebound.
Grand Slam Dreams in Jeopardy?
Stubbs’ blistering critique amplifies doubts about Zverev’s ability to capture a maiden major title. While he remains a French Open contender, his recent form and mindset raise questions.
“You’re a great player, but complaining about balls? That’s not champion behavior,” Stubbs warned.
Zverev begins his Roland Garros campaign on Tuesday, with all eyes on whether he can silence critics—and his own temper—on the clay.
