Germany’s Alexander Zverev stunned four-time champion Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 to win the Rome Masters on Sunday.
The 20-year-old Zverev claimed his maiden Masters 1000 title after becoming the youngest player in a decade to reach a final at this level, and will move to 10 in the world as a result of his impressive victory.
Djokovic was the previous youngest Masters finalist, going all the way to the title in Miami as a 19-year-old in 2007.
But despite a clinical straight-sets win over Austrian Dominic Thiem on Saturday, World No 2 Djokovic produced a flawed performance on centre court that saw him curse and swear as he struggled to find a way back into the game.
Overall, Djokovic had 27 unforced errors to 14 for Zverev, who also had 16 winners to the Serb’s 11.
Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic pose with their silverware. Photo: Gregorio Borgia, AP
Meanwhile, Djokovic confirmed American great Andre Agassi as his new coach on Sunday, but said they did not yet have a “long-term commitment”.
“I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris. So he’s gonna be there. We’ll see what the future brings. We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us,” said Djokovic.
“We don’t have any long-term commitment. It’s just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit.”