Zverev Out in Five: Arthur Rinderknech Stuns No. 3 Seed in Wimbledon Thriller
Wimbledon 2025 delivered another early-round stunner as World No. 3 Alexander Zverev crashed out in the first round, losing in five gripping sets to France’s Arthur Rinderknech, 7-6(3), 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-4. It’s the German’s earliest exit from a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2019 — and it came in a match full of momentum swings, overnight suspense, and unexpected brilliance from the underdog.
Zverev entered the All England Club as one of the tournament’s top contenders after reaching the final at the BOSS Open, but the opening round proved far more difficult than anticipated. On Monday evening, Rinderknech snatched the first set in a tiebreaker and pushed Zverev to the limit in the second before darkness paused play at two sets all. When the match resumed Tuesday on Centre Court, it was the world No. 72 who regained control.
Despite flashes of brilliance from Zverev — including a 135 mph second serve and saving multiple break points — Rinderknech’s flat forehand, soft drop shots, and fearless play under pressure continually forced errors from the German. In the deciding fifth set, Rinderknech broke early and never looked back, serving out the win after four hours and 40 minutes of intense tennis.
“This means so much to me,” said an emotional Rinderknech after the match. “My legs are still shaking.”
The Frenchman, who had just one previous Wimbledon main-draw win to his name, secured the biggest victory of his career and became one of the early stars of Wimbledon 2025. His recent run to the Queen’s Club quarterfinals, including wins over Ben Shelton and Reilly Opelka, hinted at strong grass-court form — but few expected him to overcome Zverev in such dramatic fashion.
For Zverev, the defeat marks another frustrating campaign at Wimbledon. Despite making the fourth round three times, he has yet to go beyond it, and Tuesday’s loss adds to a growing list of Grand Slam letdowns. He was also eliminated in five sets at this stage last year, losing to Taylor Fritz.
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