Zverev makes his mark in Italy against Djokovic
German youngster wins Italian Open
ROME — Alexander Zverev signalled his anticipated arrival among the tennis elite by defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 Sunday to win the Italian Open.
The 20-year-old Zverev became the youngest player to win a Masters 1000 event since Djokovic won in Miami a decade ago at 19.
“It’s nice to know that I can compete and play and win the biggest tournaments on tour against the biggest players on tour,” Zverev said.
Zverev earned a break in the first game and was never really challenged by Djokovic, who appeared drained after having to win two matches a day earlier to reach the final.
“He’s making his mark already,” Djokovic said. “Today winning one of the biggest tournaments — absolutely deserved. 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.”
Djokovic committed nearly twice as many unforced errors as Zverev — 27 to 14. The match lasted one hour, 21 minutes. After, Djokovic said Andre Agassi will coach him at the French Open, which starts next Sunday.
“We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us,” Djokovic said. “We don’t have any long-term commitment. It’s just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit.”
The title will move Zverev up to a careerhigh No. 10 in the rankings Monday and place him among the contenders for Roland Garros. It will also add credibility to the belief by many tennis experts that Zverev will reach No. 1 some day.
“If I have only half of the career Novak has had, I’ll be fine,” Zverev said.
Earlier, Elina Svitolina surged to No. 1 in the season-long rankings race by beating Simona Halep 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 in the women’s final.
It was a tour-best fourth title this year for Svitolina and the most prestigious trophy of her career. The 22-year-old Ukrainian also leads the tour with 31 match wins this season.
“Every day I’m just trying to work on my mental part, my physical, my tennis,” Svitolina said. “Everything just came together and I’m very happy that it’s happened in such a big tournament.”
The fourth-ranked Halep was in full control and serving for the first set at 5-2 when she rolled her right ankle while sliding over what appeared to be a small hole in the Foro Italico stadium court.
While Halep was able to win the opening set, she required treatment to her ankle from a trainer twice and was late getting to shots as the match wore on.
“Sorry guys for third set,” Halep told the crowd. “It was a little tough for me to get through but Elina played great.”
Halep was playing in her second clay-court final in two weeks after winning the title in Madrid last Sunday.
Svitolina also required medical treatment from a trainer midway through the second set, for an apparent problem with her left leg.
“Hopefully we’ll recover, me and Simona, because we’re struggling a bit physically,” Svitolina said.