Zverev downs Medvedev to win second ATP Finals crown

AFP

Germany's Alexander Zverev capped a memorable year by sweeping aside Russian world number two and defending champion Daniil Medvedev 6-4 6-4 to win the ATP Finals, claiming the title for the second time in his career.

The 24-year-old Zverev, who did not face a single break point in the final, has now won six titles in six finals this year - including Olympic gold in Tokyo and two Masters titles in Madrid and Cincinnati.

Zverev, who also beat world number one Novak Djokovic on Saturday, became only the fourth player to beat the top two players in the world in the semis and final of the season-ending tournament.

Victory was also sweet revenge for Zverev, who lost in three sets to Medvedev in the round robin stage and came into the match having lost his last five meetings against the Russian.

"You keep talking about the perfect match... It was great. I mean in the final against somebody I had lost five times in a row, so I had to play one of my best matches," Zverev said in a post-match interview.

"I'm happy about that, happy to go on holidays with this win now... There's no better way to end this season than winning here, so I'm obviously fairly happy, but I'm also now very much looking forward to next year already."

Zverev lost the first five points of the match but quickly changed gears to win 12 of the next 13, taking the early break and going 3-1 up in no time.

The German hardly put a foot wrong thereafter and was at his aggressive best from the baseline and the net to put Medvedev on the back foot, serving out the opening set and wrapping it up in 33 minutes.

Medvedev continued to struggle with his serve as Zverev broke him in the opening game of the second set to pile the pressure on the reigning US Open champion.

Although Medvedev briefly found his groove at 3-2 down in the second set, the German immediately slammed the door shut to deny a breakpoint opportunity.

Zverev's ability to cover the court with long strides also proved too much for Medvedev, who looked to find angles for passing shots but quickly found himself scampering to stay in the rally.

With the writing on the wall, the Turin crowd tried to urge Medvedev to force a decider but Zverev was firmly in control, sealing the title with his eighth ace.

Earlier, French duo Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut won their second ATP Finals doubles title by beating American Rajeev Ram and Briton Joe Salisbury 6-4 7-6(0).

More from Sports News

  • Williams to face Australia's Joint in Wimbledon comeback

    American great Serena Williams will face Australian 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round of her eagerly awaited return to Wimbledon, a potentially tricky tie for the seven-time champion playing at the tournament for the first time since 2022.

  • Australia reach World Cup knockouts, Turkey beat USA

    Australia booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Thursday after a cagey draw against Paraguay, who are set to qualify as a third-placed finisher, while Turkey beat USA 3-2, scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.

  • Netherlands win Group F, Japan and Sweden also through

    The Netherlands scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the first half en route to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City in Group F, while Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Texas.

  • Beccacece hails Ecuador's biggest World Cup victory

    Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said all Ecuadoreans have a lot to celebrate on Thursday after the country's biggest World Cup result ever, coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1 and advance to the knockout stage.

  • New Zealand openers break record against England

    New Zealand took control of the third Test at Trent Bridge with Tom Latham and Devon Conway setting a record partnership for the Kiwis against England on Thursday.

News