Alexander Zverev has become the first person in over 30 years to defeat the world’s top-2 players in the semi-final and final of the ATP Finals after sweeping aside Daniil Medvedev to win the title on Sunday.
Zverev, who knocked out 20-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 24 hours earlier, was in clinical form throughout his 6-4, 6-4, win over current US Open champion Medvedev. Winning 83% of his first service points and blasting 23 winners past his opponent. He has become the 10th player in history to win multiple ATP Finals trophies after also previously triumphing back in 2018.
“It is great. I won the World Tour Finals. In the final against somebody who I have lost to five times in a row, so I had to play one of my best matches and I’m happy about that,” Zverev said during his on-court interview.
“Everybody is here (in Turin) except my dad unfortunately, but I hope he will be back soon and we can celebrate these wins as a family.’
“It is special, I’m super thrilled. Super happy right now.” He added.
Coming into the match Zverev had lost to Medvedev five times in a row, including their marathon clash in the group stages of the tournament earlier this week. However, the German started the match as the stronger of the two. Just three games in Zverev drew first blood with the use of some deep hitting towards the baseline which forced his opponent to constantly be on the defensive. However, his breakthrough was achieved with a bit of luck. With three breakpoint chances at his disposal, Zverev prevailed on his second with the help of a dead net cord that granted him a 2-1 lead. From that moment, Zverev dropped only four points behind his serve as he closed out the opening set with relative ease. Sealing the 6-4 lead with the help of a misfiring Medvedev forehand that landed out.
It was evident that the start of the match had rattled a somewhat subdued Medvedev who didn’t look like the same player who won his maiden major title earlier this year. Another costly forehand mistake from the Russian handed Zverev another break at the start of the second set. Continuing his stronghold he prevented the world No.2 from gaining any momentum for a potential comeback. Cruising to a game away from victory, it was only fitting that Zverev’s serve sealed the title for him. On his first match point he triumphed with an ace out wide.
“There is no better way to end the season than winning here (at the ATP Finals),” said Zverev. “I’m obviously very happy but I’m also very much looking forward to next season already. I know I’ve just finished a match but we will see what happens.”
Zverev has now overtaken Medvedev for most matches won on the ATP Tour this season at 59. He now levels their head-to-heat to 6-6.
“Congratulations Daniil for an incredible season. You’re the leader of our generation. You beat me five times in a row. You won a first Major. We know each other for a long time. I hope many more finals together,” Zverev said to his rival.
The world No.3 exits Turin with prize money earnings of $2,143,000 and 1,300 FedEx ATP Ranking points.
