Perhaps Alex de Minaur was overcome with the moment or perhaps he was worn out after a nearly three hour semi-final on Saturday night. The more likely scenario was that Alexander Zverev was just too darn good.
The number one seed and World No. 3 cruised to his second straight Citi Open title in Washington with a 6-2, 6-4, win over de Minaur in the youngest ATP Final since 2007.
Zverev, just 21, won his third title of the year, his eighth trophy since the start of 2017. The more and more you watch him play you see his game getter better. It’s surprising he has been able to make more of a dent in any of the Grand Slams.
Zverev capitalize on a shaky start from the 19-year old Australian breaking him in the opening game of the match. Two games later another break gave Zverev a 3-0 lead.
De Minaur struggled with his serve in the opening set at just 43-percent. His winners to unforced errors ratio wasn’t that bad (4-7) but it was Zverev who was dictating the points something the lanky 6’6 German has been doing throughout the tournament.
In the second set Zverev broke early again, this time in the second game and that was all he needed as the players held serve the rest of the way. Sealing the victory with the help of a De Minaur error after 74 minutes of play.
“You’re unbelievable, you’re climbing up the rankings so fast. I’m sure these kind of trophies will be in your hands very soon.” Zverev said in tribute to his Australian rival.
“This match-up could be the final for the next 15 years, so I hope you guys (the crowd) enjoyed it. Because it might go on for a little bit.” He later joked.
Zverev is the first back to back winner at the Citi Open since Juan Martin Del Potro did it in 2008 and 2009. He collects $384,000 for the win putting him over $4 million for 2018. His win on Sunday was also his 41st of the year, the most of anyone on the ATP Tour.
