Alexander Zverev signalled his anticipated arrival among the tennis elite by defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 to win the Italian Open.
The 20-year-old Zverev became the youngest player to win a Masters 1000 event since Djokovic won in Miami a decade ago at 19.
'I don't know what to say,' Zverev said during the trophy presentation.
'Coming into this week I never thought I could be standing here in the finals or getting this trophy.'
Zverev broke in the very first game and was never really challenged by Djokovic, who appeared drained after having to win two matches Saturday to reach the final.
Djokovic committed nearly twice as many unforced errors as Zverev - 27 to 14.
The match lasted 1 hour, 21 minutes.
Afterward, Djokovic announced that Andre Agassi will coach him at the French Open, which starts next Sunday.
'We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us,' Djokovic said.
'We don't have any long-term commitment. It's just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit.'
The title will move Zverev up to a career-high No. 10 in the rankings Monday and place him among the contenders at Roland Garros. It will also add credibility to the belief by many tennis experts that Zverev will reach world No.1 some day.
'If I have only half of the career Novak has had, I'll be fine,' Zverev said.
Australian great Rod Laver presented Zverev with the trophy.
'Getting the trophy from Mr. Laver is something very special and something I'll remember for the rest of my career,' Zverev said.
AP
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