Zverev blows away Djokovic to win dream Roman final
Zverev claims maiden ATP Masters title in final that lasted less than an hour
ROME: German Alexander Zverev blew Novak Djokovic away on the eve of the World No.2’s 30th birthday away to claim his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title with a flawless performance in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia final on Sunday.
Long been billed as one to watch, the 20-year-old German looks ready to realise his potential after dismantling 12-time grand slam champion Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 in his first Masters final in Rome.
Djokovic had not dropped a set en route to the final at the Foro Italico, but the second seed did not have a solitary break point as the unflappable Zverev excelled to claim the biggest title of his fledging career
Zverev struck the ball with incredible power and showed maturity beyond his years, dominating the Serbian by backing up his outstanding serve with majestic backhand and forehand winners to deny him an early birthday present.
It took less than an hour for Djokovic to hammer Dominic Thiem – conqueror of Rafael Nadal – in the semi-final on Saturday, but it was a very different story on a glorious day as the 16th seed rose to the occasion to ensure he will move into the top 10 in the rankings.
AGASSI TO COACH DJOKOVIC AT FRENCH OPEN
Novak Djokovic has announced that Andre Agassi will coach him at the French Open, which starts next Sunday.
“I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris,” Djokovic said. “So he’s going to be there. We’ll see what (the) future brings.
“We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us. We don’t have any long-term commitment. It’s just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit,” Djokovic added.
“He will not stay the whole tournament. He’s going to stay only to a certain time, and then we’ll see after that what’s going to happen.”
The second-ranked Djokovic split with longtime coach Marian Vajda and two other team members — fitness coach Gebhard Phil Gritsch, and physiotherapist Miljan Amanovic — at the start of the month.
Agassi, who retired in 2006, won eight Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic has won 12 Grand Slams.
“Andre is someone that I have tremendous respect for as a person and as a player,” Djokovic said. “He has been through everything that I’m going through. On the court he understands the game amazingly well. I am enjoying every conversation that I have with him.
“But also, on the other hand, he’s someone that nurtures the family values, philanthropy work. He’s a very humble man, is very educated. He’s a person that can contribute to my life on and off the court a lot. I’m very excited to see what is ahead of us.”