Zverev signals arrival, stuns Djokovic to win Italian Open
ROME: Alexander Zverev signalled his anticipated arrival among the tennis elite by defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday to win the Italian Open.
Zverev, 20, was on top from the moment that he broke Djokovic in the very first game as he became the youngest winner of a Masters 1000 tournament since the Serb himself in Miami in 2007.
“Playing against Novak, one of the best players to ever play — it was an honour being on the court with you,” said Zverev. “You’re an amazing player. Unfortunately this week you didn’t win, but I’m sure as we get closer to Paris [for the French Open] you’ll
be one of the favourites for the title.”
He controlled play from the back of the court with his fluid two-handed backhand and heavy forehand.
Zverev — who clinched a gutsy 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1 win over big-serving American John Isner on Saturday — broke again in the third game of the second set and clinched the match with another break in the ninth game.
Djokovic, who has wrestled with injuries and lack of confidence since winning the French Open last June, had looked his old dominant self when he beat Dominic Thiem 6-1, 6-0 in Saturday’s semi-final but was unable to recapture that form on Sunday.
“I wish you go on to win many of these titles,” Djokovic told Zverev. “Yesterday I played what I thought was one of the best matches of my life on clay. Today I played something else. But that’s sport.”