Zverev beats Thiem to win Madrid Open title

Germany’s Alexander Zverev produced a clinical display to beat Dominic Thiem 6-4 6-4 in the Madrid Open final.

The world No. 3, seeded second, broke a nervy looking Thiem in the opening game thanks to a double fault and was never really challenged as he claimed his third Masters 1000 title.

Zverev, 21, broke again right at the start of the second but squandered the chance of a double-break two games later as Thiem, conqueror of Rafael Nadal in the last eight, hung on.

There was no chance of a let-up from Zverev though and he remained focused throughout, winning on his first match point when his Austrian opponent returned long.

A third Masters 1000 title!

Sascha Zverev flawless to defeat Dominic Thiem in Madrid 6-4 6-4.#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/Z6UhRrAZtp

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 13, 2018

Zverev did not face a single break point as he became only the fifth active player to win at least three Masters 1000 titles – joining the ‘big four’ of Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

“All in all, I’m just really happy with how I played, that I could win my third Masters,” Zverev told atpworldtour.com.

“So far it’s been pretty good for me on clay this year. Hopefully I can continue this kind of streak in Rome.

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“Obviously the altitude fits me a little bit with my serve, with how I play, with me playing a little bit more aggressive than maybe others. That definitely fits me. But I just feel confident and comfortable right now.”

The German now heads to Rome where he will defend another of his Masters title.

Thiem said: “I just couldn’t maintain my level from the match against Rafa and the match yesterday against (Kevin) Anderson. That was the problem today.

“He had one break in the beginning of every set. It is a very bad start. In general, I was playing not good enough.”