Alexander Zverev's eighth ATP Finals marketing campaign got here to an abrupt finish within the round-robin stage following a 6-4, 7-6 loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime in two hours and 7 minutes.
Thus, world no. 3 hit the exit door after two losses, with Jannik Sinner additionally besting him in straight units. Former professional Julien Varlet provided a blunt evaluation of what went unsuitable with the two-time champion of the year-ending occasion.
For the Frenchman, the encounter towards Auger-Aliassime stands as a mirror reflecting a deeper concern. In his opinion, and the outcomes affirm that, Zverev's recreation isn’t evolving a the tempo of the present and previous greats.
A HUGE win for Auger-Aliassime! 💥
Takes down Zverev to succeed in the ATP Finals SF! 🔥🇨🇦pic.twitter.com/kgGiW6NLjV
— Olly Tennis 🎾 🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 14, 2025
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner proceed to develop their arsenals, working arduous even on minor enhancements that might make their recreation much more deadly and harmful.
The legends like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer spent their careers reinventing themselves and evolving. Varlet believes Zverev has remained anchored to the identical components since he made a breakthrough eight years in the past.
The German nonetheless leans closely on his serve and counter-punching instincts, instruments that make him much less harmful and extra predictable, particularly towards the rivals from the highest who break his patterns and switch them right into a limitation.
Alexander Zverev, ATP Finals 2025© Stream screenshot
Varlet pointed to a number of moments within the decisive match towards Auger-Aliassime. As many occasions, Alexander's lack of growth and attacking abilities turned pricey.
A few occasions, Zverev reached the web with nice assaults, solely to overlook an opportunity to complete the purpose with a volley and achieve confidence. His hesitation and discomfort in routine conditions allowed alternatives to slide away and left him empty-handed.
For a top-3 participant, these small lapses carry huge penalties, particularly on the occasion with razor skinny margins. Per Varlet, the highest stars are including layers to their recreation whereas Alexander stands nonetheless.
Alexander Zverev, ATP Finals 2025© Stream screenshot
With out embracing much-needed evolution, breaking by means of the best ceiling could stay simply out of attain for a participant who turns 29 in April.
"This match highlights all the things Alexander has not labored on in comparison with different gamers like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer.
The truth is, Alexander depends solely on his strengths: his serve and his defensive recreation. This match is revealing; he’s too passive, and you can also not afford to overlook sure volleys if you’re world no. 3.
Even when he involves the web in good positions and all he has to do is push the ball, it's clear he isn’t comfy," Julien Varlet stated.
