20 year-old German Alexander Zverev sent a big statement to the tennis world by winning his first Masters 1000 title in Rome. The 6’6 youngster will move into the Top 10 of the world rankings after his 6-4, 6-3 win over World no.2 Novak Djokovic.
Zverev sent a statement by breaking immediately in Djokovic’s first service game. He then held comfortably as Djokovic failed to break back. The Serbian contributed six unforced errors in the early stages of the match.
The tactics that had served Djokovic so well in defeating both Juan Martin del Potro and Dominic Thiem failed to make an impression against Zverev. The German was willing to go toe-to-toe with Djokovic in the backhand rallies and his movement and anticipation left Djokovic second best.
Zverev proved nerveless as the set neared its conclusion, and sealed the lead with a love service hold.
The second set started in similar fashion to the first. A stunning Zverev backhand winner down the line brought up an immediate break point. Djokovic then handed the break over to the younger man with a limp forehand error into the net.
Djokovic was visibly agitated, annoyed at the breezy conditions that plagued the Court Centrale in the Italian capital. A poorly executed drop shot that drifted well into the tramlines best characterised Djokovic’s turmoil.
It was Zverev and his aggressive play on both wings that continued to dominate and after an hour of play Djokovic had not earned a single break point. The Serbian was forced to endure a near seven minute hold just to reach two-four in the second, before Zverev rattled off a love service hold.
Djokovic was in trouble as he tried to hold for four-five. He double-faulted at deuce, and a backhand long on the next point saw Zverev become the youngest man since Rafael Nadal in 2006 to win a Masters 1000 title. He is the first player born in the 1990s to win a Masters. Zverev also became only the second man ,after Roger Federer, to deny Djokovic even a single break point in the final of a tournament that the Serbian has contested.
“I’m very happy the way I played. Very happy with my performance all week, actually.” Said Zverev. “I think today was one of the best matches I ever played maybe.”
“I knew I had to be aggressive from the first point on and to the last. It was very important for me to be able to stay this aggressive and don’t let him take over the game.”
Zverev will move into the Top 10 for the first time in his young career when the new rankings are introduced on Monday. Djokovic will also gain ground in the race for No.1 spot. He reached the final this week whilst defending champion Andy Murray lost in the second round to Fabio Fognini.
“He played great, served great. On the other hand, he didn’t get much from my side. I played very poor today. Just couldn’t find any rhythm.” Said Djokovic.
Zverev’s breakthrough week saw him defeat three big servers in Kevin Anderson, Milos Raonic, and John Isner. He also took care of Andy Murray’s conqueror Fabio Fognini in the third round.
Grand Slam winner Rod Laver who was seen at the tournament often this week, presented Zverev with the winner’s trophy.
