Top-seeded Zverev knocked out early in Monte Carlo by Berrettini, Tsitsipas downs Thompson

MONTE CARLO: Top seed Alexander Zverev crashed out in his opening match of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday after losing 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini.

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Top seed Alexander Zverev crashed out in his opening match of the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday after losing 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 to Italy's Matteo Berrettini.

World number two Zverev has struggled for any kind of form since his defeat by Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final at the end of January, winning just six of 12 matches.

"It's been the worst period since my injury (the) last few months," said Zverev who has suffered a string of early exits of late, including at Indian Wells.

"I played a great first set, and once I got broken in the second set I play ten levels down.

My ball is much slower. I stop hitting the ball.

"The same story the last few months. Nothing changes. So it's me who lost the match, once again.

"I thought my level was terrible, but that's just my opinion." Zverev won the first set against former Wimbledon runner-up Berrettini but a break of serve in the sixth game of the second set allowed the Italian to level the match.