Tennis Star Zverev Loses Confidence in Backhand

'I Don't Remember Hitting My Backhand This Badly'

Zverev Struggles in Italian Open Defeat

Olympic champion Alexander Zverev admitted he is struggling with his backhand after crashing out of the Italian Open in the second round on Wednesday.

The German second seed was beaten 6-3 6-4 by Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin in Rome, having also lost to the same opponent in the third round of the Madrid Open last week.

Zverev, who won the Madrid title in 2018 and 2021, said he is struggling with his confidence on the backhand side.

"I don't remember the last time I hit my backhand this badly," Zverev said.

"I have to find a way to improve it quickly, otherwise it's going to be tough for me to win matches."

Zverev will now head to the French Open, which starts on May 22, where he will be looking to improve on his semi-final finish last year.

"I'm not going to give up and I will work hard to improve my backhand," Zverev said.

"I know that I can play much better than I did today and I'm determined to prove it at the French Open."