Youth reigns at Italian Open

ROME — Alexander Zverev signaled his anticipated arrival among the elite of men’s tennis 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 age 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 broke in the very first game and was never really challenged by the second-ranked Djokovic, who appeared drained after having to win two matches a day earlier to reach the final.

“He’s making his mark already,” said Djokovic, who committed nearly twice as many unforced errors as Zverev — 27 to 14 — in a match that lasted 1 hour, 21 minutes.

Afterward, Djokovic announced that Andre Agassi will coach him at the French Open, which starts next Sunday.

The Italian Open title will move Zverev up to a career-high No. 10 in the rankings today and place him among the French Open contenders. It also adds credibility to predictions that the youngster with an all-around game will one day reach No. 1 in the world.

In the women’s final, Elina Svitolina surged to No. 1 in the season-long rankings race by beating Simona Halep 4-6, 7-5, 6-1. It’s a tour-leading fourth title this year for the 22-year-old and the most prestigious trophy of her budding career.