Zverev blasts Roger off court

Montreal – Alexander Zverev (above) shocked second seed Roger Federer in straight sets in the Montreal Masters final to win his fifth title of the season and announce himself as an emerging star for the US Open.

The 20-year-old German used his booming serve to overpower Federer 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday as the Swiss superstar never got a chance to get into the match.

“I tried to be aggressive as I can,” said Zverev. “If Roger starts being aggressive with his forehand and backhand then it is not going to be an easy day for me.”

Zverev avenged a 6-1, 6-3 loss to Federer in the Halle final in June – his only loss in a final this season.

He is now tied with Federer for the most titles this season at five.

“It’s a wonderful achievement for him,” Federer said of Zverev. “I wish him the best for the coming months.

“I’m just really happy for him, to see that he’s taking everything not just to the next level, but the next two levels.”

Zverev blasted six aces and won 80% of first serve points as he needed just 68 minutes to dominate the 19-time Grand Slam winner and reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion.

Zverev hammered away with excellent court coverage keeping Federer off balance throughout the 30-minute opening set. He closed out the set with serve to the backhand that an out-of-sorts Federer dumped into the ground.

Federer, who was broken three times, looked just as frustrated to open the second set, hitting backhands long and freezing in his tracks as aces whizzed by.

Zverev capped his victory on the first match point when Federer hit a forehand long.

Federer suffered just his third loss of a season and had his longest win match streak in five years snapped at 16.

Federer, who dropped to 5-1 in finals in 2017, is undergoing a resurgence this season after it appeared to many he might be slowing down as he transitions through his mid-30s.

Federer was hoping to add another milestone to his memorable season but he failed to post his 94th career title which would have moved him into a tie for second all-time with Czech star Ivan Lendl. – AFP

It’s a wonderful achievement for him. I wish him the best.

Roger Federer Montreal Masters runner-up