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Zverev downs Medvedev to win second ATP Finals crown
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Alexander Zverev of Germany kisses the trophy after winning the ATP Finals men's singles title in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

Alexander Zverev of Germany kisses the trophy after winning the ATP Finals men's singles title in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

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 Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Finals on Sunday, 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.

Alexander Zverev (L) of Germany and Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrate on the podium after their ATP Finals match in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

Alexander Zverev (L) of Germany and Daniil Medvedev of Russia celebrate on the podium after their ATP Finals match in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

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."

Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates after winning the ATP Finals men's singles title in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates after winning the ATP Finals men's singles title in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

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 U.S. Open champion.

Daniil Medvedev of Russia in action during the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

Daniil Medvedev of Russia in action during the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

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

Nicolas Mahut (L) and Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France celebrate after winning the ATP Finals men's doubles title in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

Nicolas Mahut (L) and Pierre-Hugues Herbert of France celebrate after winning the ATP Finals men's doubles title in Turin, Italy, November 21, 2021. /CFP

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).

Source(s): Reuters

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