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Alexander Zverev stuns Novak Djokovic to become ATP Finals champion
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new diner at tennis’s top table. And Alexander Zverev is only 21 years old – the youngest winner of the Nitto ATP Finals since Novak Djokovic in 2008.
Zverev, the mop-topped German beanpole, has been the leading performer on the ATP tour – as opposed to the slams – for a couple of seasons now. But to beat the very same Djokovic in Sunday night’s final was comfortably his finest hour.
To appreciate the scale of this achievement, you have to remember how bulletproof Djokovic has looked all week. Until Sunday, he had not even lost a set, nor dropped his serve, as he casually mugged four of the world’s best. One of them, ironically, was Zverev himself, who managed just five games in a round-robin match that Djokovic described as “not great quality”.
Once Zverev entered the knockout stages, though, he was a man transformed. Not only did he pull off the ultimate double, knocking out Roger Federer and Djokovic – two consummate indoor players – in successive matches. But he also dealt superbly with the awkwardness of Saturday night’s conclusion, in which he was unfairly booed after ejecting Federer in straight sets.
Despite that drama, this has been a tournament of uninspiring singles contests, in which only one of the 15 matches required a deciding set. Still, nobody who watched Zverev’s 6-4, 6-3 victory over Djokovic, which occupied just 1hr 19min, could have complained about value for money.
The standard was high from the off, as Djokovic spread play with uncanny accuracy. Yet Zverev ran down every ball, and returned them with interest, his long levers generating pace, depth, and a sense of weight. As he moved towards the end of his 6-4, 6-3 victory, the ball seemed to come off his racket like a watermelon. Djokovic, by contrast, was firing grapes.
With his stilt legs and fast-twitch muscles, the 6ft 6in Zverev leapt along the baseline like a giant wading bird. The effect was to make this dark-blue rectangle look no bigger than a paddling pool. Certainly Djokovic found it almost impossible to fire the ball past him, striking only seven winners in the match.
What a role reversal this was! So often, we come away from a major final wondering at Djokovic’s astonishing defence, and questioning how it might be possible to outflank him. But the sneaker was on the other foot on Sunday, as Zverev set out with the intention of outlasting the world No. 1 in long rallies.
“He just balanced his game right,” said a philosophical Djokovic afterwards. “When he needed to step in, he did. Obviously, he had big serves. I wasn't returning well. I wasn't making him move too much. I was making way too many unforced errors. From 4-4 in the first set, my game really fell apart, to be honest.”
There are days, especially when weariness sets in at the end of a long season, when Djokovic’s usual indomitability deserts him. It happened in the 2016 final here against Andy Murray, and it happened again on Sunday.
You could see his belief ebbing as Zverev fired down ace after ace in a flawless first set, landing an extraordinary 88 per cent of his first serves. Serving at 4-4 in the first set, Djokovic seemed to lose self-belief, and dropped serve for the first time at this event with a couple of wild forehands.
Even when match-point down, Djokovic paused for a second after hitting a backhand that he thought would fly long – a lapse he would never make when mentally present. He recovered quickly, and put in a decent approach shot, but Zverev passed him brilliantly – a highlight-reel shot to end a scintillating performance.
The crowd rose in exultation, in a dramatic contrast to the rejection Zverev received after his win over Federer. In that instance, he was booed during the post-match interview, in a harsh verdict on his decision to stop play during the second-set tie-break because a ball boy had dropped a spare ball at the back of the court.
How did Zverev feel about coming back into the same arena on Sunday? “I didn't know what to expect, to be honest,” he admitted after the match. “Yesterday I felt like I've done everything right by the rules. But the crowd reaction wasn't too good to me. “I was a little bit sad because as tennis players, we take it very personal, this kind of stuff. It's a one-on-one sport, so we take things more personal than other sports.
“Today, my mindset was that I just wanted to enjoy being out there, I just wanted to enjoy competing and playing against the best player in the world. I was very happy to lift the trophy up.”
For Zverev, the next step must be to improve his success rate in the best-of-five-set matches played at the grand slams. Thus far, he has struggled to deal with the pressure of expectation, clocking up just a single quarter-final in 14 attempts. But if he keeps playing like he did on Sunday, his first major cannot be far away.
Sascha speaks
Right now I really can't describe it, it's unbelievable. The biggest title I've ever won.
First of all I want to congratulate Novak on a great week, and not just this week but how you've played in the second half of this year. Maybe we've never seen it before, you barely lost a match. I'm very pleased you lost one to me today.
[Puts trophy down] I'm going to cramp in a minute.
We played twice this week, everyone knows how good a player you are but I want to mention how good a person you are as well. We had so many talks, not only about tennis but about other stuff, about life. All different kind of subjects, I'm not going to mention the ones we talked about but yeah you're also a really good sharer. I appreciate you sharing titles and matches with me. You could win any match you want but I appreciate you letting me win today.
Obviously huge congratulations to the whole Novak team as well. You guys have been absolutely amazing.
Then of course my team. I want to start with my dad, he's been coaching me and my brother my entire life. I've always said he might be the best coach in tennis, and I really mean it. He's not going to stop crying until next year but that's fine. He also won't understand half of what I'm saying right now but that's ok. I think everybody is happy just now, so thanks to him.
Of course everyobdy else, thanks Ivan for joining the team. I think it's working out ok for now, I hope it's going to continue like that. [Fitness trainer] Jez [Green] you've been with me the last five years and I promise I have actually put on some muscle. I know some of you are thinking that's not actually possible to be any skinnier. It is, I promise you.
Thank you also to my best friend Marcelo Melo, my agent, my manager. Without you it's not possible.
The future is now.
Your #NittoATPFinals champion ��#ATPpic.twitter.com/RxZ2HMWKnx— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) November 18, 2018
Zverev then has his mic turned off, and presented with champagne. He looks nonplussed and begins talking again.
I wasn't done yet but thanks for the champagne. I wasn't ready to get drunk yet but it's nice. I want to thank the crowd. The crowd has been absolutely amazing throughout the whole week. Even though we had a bit of a moment yesterday I really appreciate every single one of you coming out and showing love for the sport. It's such a pleasure to play in front of such an amazing crowd. Thank you.
Don't cut me off, I know it's really long. Thank you to all the ball boys, the umpires, the line judges. Thank you to Nitto, without you guys it's not possible.
Thank you, I think I talked enough. See you next year.
Novak speaks
Congratulations Sacha to you and your team. You played much better than in the group stage, and deserved to win. You're still quite young but you've had a great career already and I wish you all the best for the future.
I hope to see you guys [the fans] again and for that to happen I need a great team so I want to say thanks to them. It's been a great year and great comeback and thank you for everything.
You guys [the fans] make it very enjoyable for us so thank you.
Game, set and match! Zverev defeats Djokovic 6-4, 6-3!
How Zverev would love to get this done now and not have to serve it out. Will he get his wish? He just might. A Djokovic double fault and a wild forehand gift Zverev two championship points at 15-40! Djokovic saves the first, but on the second Zverev is pinned deep into his backhand corner and produces a sumptuous passing shot up the line. Zverev collapses to the floor, Djokovic and walks over to give hum a hug.
Alexander Zverev is the 2018 ATP Finals champion.
MATCH POINT ��
Sascha Zverev silences @DjokerNole to make history in London ��#NittoATPFinals �� @TennisTVpic.twitter.com/t0VSjogd9m— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) November 18, 2018
Djokovic* 4-6, 3-5 Zverev (*next server)
An ace and two service winners take Zverev to 40-0. He then completes the hold to 15 with a wrong-footing forehand winner. Brilliant serving from Zverev. Djokovic will serve to stay in the match.
Djokovic 4-6, 3-4 Zverev* (*next server)
"There's something off with Djokovic today," says Boris Becker in commentary. I wonder if the cold he's been suffering with all week is the issue.
He holds on here though, winning the game to 30 and keeping the pressure on the 21-year-old Zverev.
Djokovic* 4-6, 2-4 Zverev (*next server)
Blimey this is tense. Zverev falls down 0-30 with a double fault and miscued backhand but digs in to claim a hold to 30 after an ace, a superb volley and a couple of Djokovic errors. It looked all the world there like Zverev's nerve was about to fail him at 0-30.
Djokovic 4-6, 2-3 Zverev* (*next server)
For the first time in more than 35 minutes Djokovic holds serve. He does so to love, with Zverev pretty much checking out of the game once he fell down 30-0.
Djokovic* 4-6, 1-3 Zverev (*next server)
Djokovic is furious at himself for making a couple of really sloppy errors. Zverev this time backs up the break with a hold to 30. He's three games away from the title.
Djokovic 4-6, 1-2 Zverev* (*next server) - Zverev breaks!
The squeaking of the shoes betrays just how hard both of these men are working. The noise it's making is getting louder and louder as the match wears on.
Djokovic all of a sudden looks exhausted, getting outlasted in the long points and panicking into an early drop shot that hits the middle of the net and presents Zverev with two more break points at 15-40. Djokovic then duly nets a forehand and Zverev breaks for the third straight returning game.
Prior to tonight, Djokovic had not been broken once all tournament and had only faced a total of three break points!
Djokovic* 4-6, 1-1 Zverev (*next server) - Djokovic breaks back
First signs of tension from Zverev, dragging a backhand wide to fall down 15-30. I wonder as well if he's just slightly overusing that wide serve on the deuce court. In any case, a double fault follows (his second of the game) to hand Djokovic two break points. He only needs one as Zverev lashes a backhand wide.
A really poor game from Zverev, featuring two double faults and two unforced errors. Bit of a gift for Djokovic.
Djokovic 4-6, 0-1 Zverev* (*next server) - Zverev breaks!
Djokovic's forehand is breaking down here, and he makes two pretty elementary winners off that wing to fall down 15-30. As Boris Becker points out in commentary, if Djokovic does start to struggle the forehand is the shot that tends to go first. Zverev meanwhile senses the pendulum is swinging his way, drawing a backhand long to earn another break point at 30-40. Djokovic responds like a champ, and saves it with a big first serve down the T. But Zverev forces a second one moments later, and this time he takes it! After a lung-busting 20+ shot rally, Zverev absolutely nails an inside in forehand winner! What a shot, and what a moment. Statement tennis at the moment from Zverev, who leads by a set and a break.
Djokovic* 4-6 Zverev (*next server) - Game and first set Zverev!
Here we go. How's your never Sascha? Er, pretty darn good it would seem.
He starts with an ace out wide - that slider I was talking about a couple of games ago - and then backs it up with another ace, this one down the middle for 30-0. And a third ace, again out wide on the deuce side, brings up three set points at 40-0. He couldn't do a game of aces, could he?! No, but he does take the set at the second time of asking when Djokovic pushes a forehand long.
After 39 minutes, Zverev is a set away from the biggest title of his career.
Djokovic 4-5 Zverev* (*next server) - Zverev breaks!
At this stage of their round-robin match on Wednesday remember Djokovic won eight of the last nine games from 4-4 to roll to a 6-4, 6-1 win. Zverev, suffice it to say, will be hoping for a different outcome today.
Well, it might be a very different outcome because a sprayed Djokovic forehand means Zverev has a break point at 30-40, the first for either player this match. And he's taken it! Djokovic nets a forehand, and Zverev will serve for the first set. That was a really tight game from Djokovic, who missed a volley and a very makeable passing shot on his way to being broken for the first time all tournament.
Huge moments coming up for Zverev.
Djokovic* 4-4 Zverev (*next server)
That Zverev slider out wide on the deuce court is so effective. Even when Djokovic reads it he's struggling to make returns. A confident Zverev claims a love hold, including a gorgeous back-spun drop volley. On we go, with the business end of the set hoving into view...
Djokovic 4-3 Zverev* (*next server)
This match is being played at a seriously high level, with both men absolutely ripping the ball. Zverev can't make a dent on the Djokovic serve though, and a couple of errors see the world No. 1 claim another hold to 15.
Djokovic* 3-3 Zverev (*next server)
Another gruelling rally - this one 20 shots - goes Zverev's way this time as Djokovic is hustled into a missed backhand. Two more aces help Zverev to a hold to 15. No break points for either player so far.
Djokovic 3-2 Zverev* (*next server)
First opening of the match for either player, as Zverev draws a missed forehand volley from his opponent for 15-30. Zverev should really then earn himself two break points but Djokovic defends brilliantly to force a netted half-volley pick-up. Zverev then nets a couple of backhands, and Djokovic holds to 30. Those are the sort of chances Zverev just needs to do a little more with.
Djokovic* 2-2 Zverev (*next server)
Good to see Zverev getting to the net a bit early on and punching away some classy volleys. That was a real area of improvement against Federer yesterday. He's also serving beautifully, and thunders away another ace en route to a hold to 15. Very solid start from both men.
Djokovic 2-1 Zverev* (*next server)
Djokovic is absolutely purring here, as he has been all tournament (all second half of the year?). He flicks away a forehand winner and slams down an unreturnable serve to cruise to a breezy love hold.
Djokovic* 1-1 Zverev (*next server)
Zverev fizzing his groundstrokes with the same conviction he showed against Federer yesterday. It helps too when you can bullet aces down the T at 139mph. Zverev holds comfortably to 15.
Djokovic 1-0 Zverev* (*next server)
Djokovic remember has not lost his serve all week (he went through the whole Shanghai tournament last month without being broken) and he holds here to 15. A 29-shot rally is the highlight, which ends with a nicely punched Djokovic volley into the open court.
Ready? Play
Djokovic serving first.
Coin toss
Zverev wins it and opts to receive. Fair enough, makes sense he'll want to settle in.
Players are out
Zverev first onto court, followed by the five-time champion Djokovic.
Slightly strange that Djokovic and Zverev have already played each other this week (Djokovic won it 6-4, 6-1).
Champions Tennis
If you didn't get a chance to visit the O2 this week, never fear! There is still some live tennis in London this year, with the veterans event at the Royal Albert Hall coming up in December. Tickets are available here, and include a private Q&A with a tennis star and seats in a luxury box . Some of the legends involves include John McEnroe, Goran Ivanisevic and Tim Henman.
The master against the young pretender
Evening all,
Following the boos he received in the aftermath of his win against Roger Federer yesterday, can Alexander Zverev pull off another giant-killing tonight?
To do so, he'll probably need to produce the finest performance of his career against an opponent who looks close to unbeatable at the moment.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has won 26 out of his last 27 matches, including four this week without dropping a set. Zverev could have been forgiven for shaking his head in disbelief watching Djokovic's flawless 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Kevin Anderson in last night's semi-final.
So what chance does Zverev have then of pulling off the upset and landing the biggest title of his career? Well, he already has one win to his name against Djokovic, and that too was in a final - a 6-4, 6-3 success to claim last year's Rome Masters. More recently though Djokovic has enjoyed the upper hand, destroying Zverev in Shanghai for the loss of just three games and then posting a 6-4, 6-1 win in the group stages at the O2 on Wednesday. The patrons in north Greenwich tonight will be hoping for a closer and more entertaining affair tonight.
It is also hoped that the O2 fans will show a bit more class than those who booed Zverev yesterday after he quite legitimately stopped a point when a ball-boy dropped a ball mid-rally. Like Naomi Osaka at the US Open, it was a real shame that Zverev looked so uncomfortable in the moment of victory. Zverev's apology to the crowd was classy but entirely unnecessary.
Anyway, enough of that. The players are due on court at 6pm, with Zverev looking for his first Tour Finals title, and Djokovic his sixth. Djokovic is the overwhelming favourite, and I do think he'll edge it, but I'm backing Zverev to win a set and take it to a decider.
