Alexander Zverev shocked Novak Djokovic and won the most important title of his career by winning two sets 6-4, 6-3, in the ATP inals at O2 Arena on Sunday.
The 21-year-old player became the youngest end-of-season tournament champion since Djokovic’s first of five triumphs a decade ago. He is also the first German to win this tournament since 1995.
Djokovic had not been the victim of a single break before the final. Zverev managed once in the first inning and three times in the second inning, ending the game with a winning shot from the back along the line.
“I now have a title (of the end-of-season tournament) and he has five. He has maybe 148 more titles than me in career. I hope I have such a good career, but do not get carried away.” Zverev said.
Djokovic had lost just two of his last 37 games, but he was the first to crack under pressure. He made two consecutive errors to offer a chance to serve for the round at Zverev at 5-4.
The crowd loudly encouraged Zverev when he went to the service line and he seemed to be feeding on that energy. He has had three aces in a row to give himself three balls. He took advantage of his second chance, when Djokovic sent a forehand a bit too far.
Zverev also found a way to overcome Djokovic during the long exchanges, an aspect of the game that is usually the strength of the holder of 14 Grand Slam titles. An exchange of 26 shots in the first game of the second run allowed Zverev to get a break point.
With the most important victory of his career within reach, Zverev showed some signs of nervousness. Although he is the only other active player of Djokovic, Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to have at least three titles of the Masters series to his list, Zverev has only reached the quarterfinals of a tournament Grand Slam.
Alexander Zverev (left) shakes hands with Novak Djokovic after winning his final at the 2018 ATP Finals on Sunday. (Source:www.tennisworldusa.org)
Two double faults and two fouls on the backs allowed Djokovic to break Zverev’s serve. However, Zverev in turn fired back, breaking Djokovic’s serve again after a 28-game swap.
“I was the victim of a single break in service. It’s not bad statistic, especially when you face the best player in the world in return for service.” Zverev said.
