Alexander Zverev upset the odds on Sunday to become the youngest champion at the Nitto ATP Finals in a decade, overcoming World No. 1 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3.
It was an astonishing display from the 21-year-old who was appearing in only his second Nitto ATP Finals and becomes the first German to win the title since tennis legend Boris Becker in 1995.
"It's quite astonishing, winning this title, beating two such players back-to-back, Roger and Novak, in semi-finals and final," Zverev told the ATP. "It means so much. I'm incredibly happy and incredibly proud of this moment right now."
The standard was high from the off, as the pair engaged in intense rallies, but it was the German’s tenacity and impeccable serving which eventually wore the current Wimbledon Champion down. As Zverev fired down ace after ace, even the Tour’s greatest returner couldn’t come up with a response. In fact, the youngster landed an extraordinary 88 per cent of his first serves, resulting in the belief ebbing away from the World No.1.
At match point, Djokovic uncharacteristically paused for a brief moment after striking a backhand that appeared to be drifting long, it didn’t, and he recovered swiftly with a decent approach shot, but Zverev passed him with an audacious shot, one fitting to complete a scintillating display.
As the crowd let out an almighty roar, the 10-time ATP World champion dropped to the ground in disbelief. Having been convincingly beaten by Djokovic in their group-stage encounter earlier in the week, the victory was even more impressive.
If Zverev plays like he did on Sunday, it’s only a matter of time before he lifts his first major trophy.
BritWatch
Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares' unbeaten run at this year's Nitto ATP Finals was brought to an end as they fell to eventual winners Mike Bryan and Jack Sock.
The Brit and Brazilian battled hard and pushed the Americans to a championship tiebreak before they were eventually edged out 6-3, 4-6, [10-4].
Nevertheless, Murray and Soares showcased some of their best tennis and will end the season on a high having reached their third consecutive semi-final at London's O2 Arena.
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