The season's Grand Slam started strong but faded, leaving even fewer chances for Zverev!

At the US Open third round, in a battle between top contenders, third seed and former finalist Zverev fell to former semifinalist Aliassime, causing an upset and failing to reach the US Open round of 16.

With the season’s four Grand Slams complete, Zverev has started strong but faded, and now every time he exits a major tournament, netizens mercilessly mock him. Let’s examine his defeat scripts in this year’s Grand Slams.

Australian Open: Reached semifinals benefiting from Djokovic’s retirement, but failed to earn a single break point against Sinner in the final.

Zverev first broke through the Grand Slam semifinal barrier at the Australian Open this year. Although facing the ten-time champion Djokovic, his chances to reach the final were uncertain, but he got a gift when the Serbian star withdrew due to illness, advancing without playing.

In the final, facing the well-rested defending champion, it was a golden opportunity. Unfortunately, outmatched by the new hardcourt king’s relentless attack, Zverev could only defend and never managed a break point, losing in straight sets decisively.

Thus, after finishing runner-up at the 2020 US Open and the 2023 French Open, Zverev added the Australian Open runner-up title this year, completing a set of Grand Slam finals, with only Wimbledon missing.

French Open: Lost in the quarterfinals to Djokovic again, hesitant to attack on crucial points, losing in four sets to the 38-year-old veteran in baseline rallies.

At the French Open, after winning titles in Madrid and Rome Masters, and a memorable match against Nadal at Roland Garros, this was expected to be his breakthrough. However, still reluctant to take risks on key points, he repeatedly missed chances and eventually watched the veteran advance after long baseline battles.

Wimbledon: A grueling five-set first-round match, twice coming back from behind but ultimately losing as he hesitated to attack with his forehand at critical moments, allowing the opponent to finish with winners.

At his weakest Grand Slam, Wimbledon, Zverev stumbled from the start. Despite fighting hard to level the score and push to a deciding set, he failed to produce winning shots and was upset early.

US Open: In the third round against Aliassime, only 3 forehand winners throughout the match, eventually overturned in four sets.

This US Open, like the previous three Grand Slams, Zverev confidently proclaimed his intentions at the press conferences, but his words never translated into court performance. With just three winners on his forehand all match, even advancing was surprising!

During this season, the German also attended Nadal’s tennis academy, receiving forehand tips from the retired legend. Yet, unless he overcomes his overly cautious forehand, winning a Grand Slam title will remain extremely difficult, and his chances will grow slimmer!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Luo Cheng Qiye)