Alexander Zverev issues immediate apology after losing Madrid Open final in 58 minutes
Two-time former champion Alexander Zverev barely won a game in the Madrid Open final.
Alexander Zverev immediately apologised to the crowd inside the packed Manolo Santana Stadium after lasting just 58 minutes against Jannik Sinner in the Madrid Open final. While some players find the altitude and conditions tricky in the Spanish capital, Zverev thrives in them and lifted the trophy here in 2018 and 2021.
But the No. 2 seed was no match for Sinner, who raced into a 5-0 lead in just 17 minutes and then claimed a 6-1 6-2 victory to win a fifth consecutive Masters 1000 tournament, making history. Straight after the match, Sinner admitted that he could see it wasn’t Zverev’s best day at the office, and the German star then apologised for his performance.
“Hello everybody. First of all, super sorry for the final. Was not my best day, so yeah,” the world No. 3 said as he took hold of the microphone. Zverev then turned his attention to Sinner, admitting he and the rest of the field had “no chance” to beat him.
The 2026 runner-up continued: “Congratulations to Jannik, best player in the world by far at the moment, and really no chance for most of the people, for us, at the moment against you. Also, to your team, you guys are doing an incredible job every single week. I hope one week, or maybe the French Open, just have a break! Just don’t… No, but congratulations.”
Zverev also thanked retired Spanish tennis stars Garbine Muguruza and Feliciano Lopez, the co-tournament directors, and all of the tournament staff behind the scenes. “Then, of course, the crowd,” he added.
“It was a full stadium almost every match I played, it was amazing to be here in front of this beautiful arena, in front of a beautiful crowd. I really enjoyed it. Thank you very much for this atmosphere.”
Sinner then addressed the crowd, wishing his opponent well after winning in quicktime on Sunday afternoon. “Hello everyone. First of all, Sascha, once again, great week to you and your team,” the world No. 1 said.
“I know it was not your best today, but I wish you all the best for the rest of the season. Of course, now Rome, and as you said, Paris is coming up, but I wish you only the best, so keep it up.”
Turning to his own team, the newly-crowned champion added: “Of course, my team, thanks for pushing me, thanks for believing in me. I know we are doing something incredible, so thank you so much, thanks for standing on my side.
“I know maybe a lot of Italians also are watching, so thanks for the support at home. I really feel it daily, also in every practice session. Coming here, it has been an amazing feeling, and obviously, thanks for the support, thanks for coming out, it means the world to me, thank you.”
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