Rome: Germany’s Alexander Zverev stunned four-time Rome champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 to win his first Masters title here Sunday, confirming his status as a French Open dangerman. The result also propelled Zverev into the top 10 of men’s rankings.
Djokovic, who turns 30 Monday, was the previous youngest Masters finalist, going all the way to the title in Miami as a 19-year-old in 2007.
Djokovic put up a very patch display as Zverev made him run all over the court. The Serbian committed 27 unforced errors to 14 for Zverev, who also had 16 winners to the Serb’s 11.
Zverev now has four career titles, three of which have come this year while Djokovic was denied what would have been a record 31st Masters title.
“Playing against Novak, one of the best players to ever play – it was an honour being on the court with you,” said Zverev. “You’re an amazing player. Unfortunately this week you didn’t win, but I’m sure as we get closer to Paris you’ll be one of the favourites for the title.”
Zverev broke in the first game of the final on his way to the first set and carved out the crucial first break of the second set in the third game.
Djokovic’s frustrations boiled over when he was handed a warning for an audible obscenity in the eighth game before he was broken again in the ninth as Zverev celebrated his first Masters title.
“I wish you go on to win many of these titles,” Djokovic told the young German. “Yesterday (Saturday) I played what I thought was one of the best matches of my life on clay. Today I played something else. But that’s sport.”
Agassi to help Novak in Paris
Novak Djokovic revealed here Sunday that American great Andre Agassi would be his new coach, but said they did not yet have a ‘long-term commitment’. “I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris. So he’s gonna be there. We’ll see what future brings. We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us,” said Djokovic. “We don’t have any long-term commitment yet. It’s just us trying to get to know each other a little bit.” Eight-time Grand Slam winner Agassi has been the last American to win on French clay.
