Alexander Zverev signalled his anticipated arrival among the tennis elite by defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 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.
“I don’t know what to say,” Zverev said during the trophy presentation.
“Coming into this week I never thought I could be standing here in the finals or getting this trophy.”
RELATED: Agassi to coach Djokovic
Zverev broke in the very first game and was never really challenged by Djokovic, who appeared drained after having to win two matches Saturday to reach the final.
Djokovic committed nearly twice as many unforced errors as Zverev – 27 to 14.
The match lasted just one hour and 21 minutes.
Afterward, Djokovic announced that 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 career-high No.10 in the rankings Monday and place him among the contenders at Roland Garros.
It will also add credibility to the belief by many tennis experts that Zverev will reach world No.1 some day.
RELATED: Alexander Zverev – a future world No.1?
“If I have only half of the career Novak has had, I’ll be fine,” Zverev said.
Australian great Rod Laver presented Zverev with the trophy.
“Getting the trophy from Mr. Laver is something very special and something I’ll remember for the rest of my career,” Zverev said.
17 August 2017
Alicia Molik, a former top 10 star who owned one of the sport’s best serves, believes se... More
19 February 2016
Roberta Vinci appeared on Italian TV and was put to the test - were the grunts she was hea... More
24 November 2016
Novak Djokovic is the fastest tennis player on the planet, according to new data from Tenn... More
14 August 2017
Maria Sharapova has opened up in her memoir Unstoppable, revealing her take on how Serena ... More