Alexander Zverev has clinched his 6th Masters 1000 title by brushing aside Nicolas Jarry in a clinical fashion but the German made some strong words about the shining Chilean at the end of the match.
Zverev thinks Jarry is having a great run as he displayed his mettle in the Rome. The World No. 24 will climb to the ATP #17 rank next week and Zverev has suggested that this won’t be his last Master Series final.
Zverev will rise to World No. 4 in the updated rankings thanks to a well-earned win just before Roland Garros where he will be a 4th seed. The 27-year-old was relieved after the final victory.
“He is playing huge and you can see by the players he has beaten here this week,” said Zverev about Jarry following his victory.
“Playing incredible tennis. I told him if he continues to play like that he will have many chances at this level. Today I am extremely happy to be the winner.”
Zverev recognizes the 28-year-old as one of the most improved players in the clay swing.
“I think Nicolas is one of the most aggressive players we have on the tour. Obviously huge serve, huge forehand. Tries to hit big from both sides of the court,” the German assessed.
It is the third time Zverev has reached the Masters final in the Eternal city to seal his second title. The world #4 feels that Rome holds a special place in his life where he earned his first Masters Series title and now another first since the injury return.
“Obviously winning my first ever [Masters] here in Rome and winning my first after my injury also in Rome, so Rome is a very special place for me,” Zverev said. “It is a very, very special week.”
Before the final, the 21-time ATP tour titlist talked about his love of Rome even beyond the confines of the Foro Italico where he has cherished breakthrough and vital success.
“If Rome is the place for firsts for me, then I’m happy about that,” Zverev said after securing the final berth.
“My first Masters 1000, as you said, as a 20-year-old was here. If this is my first Masters 1000 after the injury, I’m happy about that, as well. Especially at a place that I really love. Even outside of tennis, it’s a city that I absolutely love and enjoy.”