Alexander Zverev’s campaign at the ATP Finals in Turin came to an end after his defeat to Felix Auger-Aliassime. The German lost 4–6, 6–7(4), finishing the tournament with one win and two losses. It marked his eighth participation in the season-ending event, but his elimination did not stop him from addressing another pressing issue in the press room.
Focus shifts to the Davis Cup
Before heading into the off-season, Zverev will represent Germany in the Davis Cup Finals, facing Argentina in the quarter-finals in Bologna. While the location is convenient, the World No. 3 expressed dissatisfaction with the current format of the competition, contrasting it with the traditional home-and-away ties. “The true Davis Cup is the home-and-away ties,” Zverev said. He added that while he would gladly play an extra week after the ATP Finals for a Davis Cup final, competing in quarter-finals and semi-finals under the current structure feels unnecessary.
Criticism of the atmosphere
Zverev emphasized how the atmosphere of past Davis Cup ties was unique compared to the centralized format. “To play against Italy in Italy, it would be a completely different atmosphere than playing Italy in Spain,” he explained. Recalling his 2018 clash with Rafael Nadal, he noted, “I played against Nadal in a bullfighting arena in 2018. That’s for me the real Davis Cup. I don’t think this Davis Cup is the real Davis Cup. It’s an exhibition tournament in a way that is called Davis Cup.”
Limited top player participation
The final phase of the Davis Cup will feature only two Top 10 players: Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz. Italy, the host nation, faces the challenge of competing without its leading figures Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti. Their absence highlights the growing concerns about the appeal of the current format, especially when compared to the traditional version that drew larger participation and stronger atmospheres.
A debate over tradition and modernity
Zverev’s remarks underline the ongoing debate about the Davis Cup’s identity. While the modern format aims to streamline scheduling and logistics, players like Zverev argue that it strips away the essence of the competition. His criticism reflects a broader sentiment among players and fans who believe the Davis Cup’s unique spirit lies in its home-and-away battles, not in a centralized tournament structure.
Alexander Zverev in 2025
Ranked world no.3, Alexander played his last match on the 14th of November when he capitulated to world no.8 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 7-6(4) in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This year the German has a 55-25 record. Alexander clinched 1 title in Munich. The German got to the final at the Australian Open, Stuttgart and Vienna.