Weak debut as number one – Zverev fails early in Paris

Alexander Zverev lost his first match as the official number one in the tennis world. The 29-year-old had to admit defeat to the Italian Lorenzo Musetti 6:7 (5:7), 2:6 in the second round of the Masters in Paris.

Zverev has now lost four of the last five duels against the Italian. Musetti is only the fifth male professional in tennis history to defeat an opponent in his first match as world number one. The world number 24 said he was a bit “shocked” at the level he was able to display as Zverev’s opponent. Musetti afterwards: “It’s unbelievable.”

On Monday, Zverev officially replaced the Italian Jannik Sinner, who had been injured for months, as number one. The changing of the guard had already been decided beforehand, as Sinner had to end his season early due to knee problems.

Two goals remain: ATP Finals and Davis Cup

In a balanced first set, the decision had to be made in a tiebreak. Zverev was already leading 5-2, but then his opponent increased the risk and was rewarded for it. Musetti often chose the backhand slice as a tactical variant, which meant that Zverev was unable to generate the usual power with his punches.

In the second set, the Hamburger lost his serve game early on to make it 1:2. After that, he clearly lacked the energy to fight back again. Zverev slumped his shoulders more often and there was no sign of any inner rebellion. Musetti took merciless advantage of the German's weak phase.

After the early exit, frequent player Zverev now has more time to regenerate for the ATP Finals from November 15th to 22nd. Immediately afterwards he will compete in the Davis Cup finals in Bologna. The German team will first meet Great Britain on November 26th. The winner of the duel between Spain and Austria would wait two days later in the semi-finals.