Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP via Getty ImagesJannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-2 in the final of this years Madrid Open.Zverev never looked likely to threaten Sinner, slipping to an eighth straight defeat against the world number one.After the match, Brad Gilbert, who once coached Coco Gauff, shared his thoughts on Zverevs performance.Brad Gilbert says Zverev was too predictable in Madrid Open finalPhoto by Julian Finney/Getty ImagesSpeaking on the latest episode of The Big T Podcast, Gilbert discussed the 2026 Madrid Open mens singles final.What [Jannik] Sinner does so well, which is hard to stop, is that he hits the ball really big to safe targets, he said.Normally, [Alexander] Zverev can make progress backhand to backhand. But he cant make progress backhand to backhand, and the forehand-to-forehand exchange is problematic.What I was most disappointed in Zverev today my coach told me in 1980 if you lose that first set 6-1 do not lose the second set 6-1 playing the same way. I dont care what you do, whether you come in on every ball or you literally start moonballing. Do something. Be unpredictable.I felt Zverev was extremely predictable from the first ball and he was hoping not to get beaten badly.When you hope like that, that is what happens.Gilbert went on to outline what changes Zverev should have considered during the match.He should have served and volleyed. He should have taken a backhand return and come in. He should have shown some emotion or busted a racket, said Gilbert.He did not change plan A from the first set to the second set.Zverev will need answers soon if he wants any chance of turning things around against Sinner in future matches.Alexander Zverev struggles to get past Jannik SinnerDespite this, he has struggled to make the final step in the major tournaments, a hurdle largely due to Sinners dominance over him.So far in 2026, Zverev has made it to at least the semi-final stage in six of the seven events hes played.The only thing missing from his record is a title, and Sinner has played a big part in that.Zverevs form has kept him comfortably inside the top five, but with Sinner having his number for so long, its hard to see a path for Zverev towards world number one or a Grand Slam title under current conditions.If Zverev can find a way past his Sinner problem, then bigger achievements could be within reach.Time will tell what comes next for the world number three. Next up is the Italian Open in Rome, where hell face either Zhang Zhizhen or Daniel Altmaier in round two.Read more:Emma Raducanu back training with Andrew Richardson ahead of 2026 Italian Open returnElena Rybakina shares her honest thoughts about facing Aryna Sabalenka again in MiamiCoco Gauff responds to Aryna Sabalenkas comments on potential Grand Slam boycott