Alexander Zverev didn't hold back after his surprising exit from the Italian Open, calling the court conditions at the BNP Paribas Arena "the worst I've ever played on" following a frustrating 6-1, 6-7, 0-6 loss to Luciano Darderi in the fourth round.

The German world No. 5 had multiple chances to close out the match but couldn't convert, then completely unraveled in the deciding set. "I have match point and the ball jumps over my head. I have a break point, the ball rolls," Zverev vented. "I mean, you saw it. The ball rolls a couple of times. It's difficult. The wind was tough."

Zverev also acknowledged that his fitness might have played a role after battling illness following the Madrid Open. "Whether it's a sickness or I just played a lot of tennis... I think I should have won the match in two sets," he admitted.

The timing couldn't be worse for the 27-year-old, who now heads to Roland Garros with questions about his form. With Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from the French Open, Zverev moves up to the No. 2 seed, setting up a potential blockbuster final against world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

Sinner has been unstoppable on clay this year, including a straight-sets win over Zverev in Madrid. The German hasn't beaten Sinner in three years and has only managed to take two sets off him in that span. "Of course, there is no doubt he is playing unbelievable tennis. There is no doubt that he is favorite," Zverev said. "But again, I do have to believe that I'm capable."

Zverev is banking on extra rest before Roland Garros to regain his rhythm. For tennis fans and players alike, the condition of the courts at major tournaments remains a hot topic—one that could impact performance and even tournament outcomes.