Zverev becomes only the fifth active player to win at least three Masters titles
Sunday 13 May 2018 20:01, UK
Germany's Alexander Zverev produced a clinical display to beat Dominic Thiem 6-4 6-4 in the Madrid Open final on Sunday.
Zverev has long been marked out as a future star of the men's game and his victory over Thiem suggests the German can be a major threat at the French Open later this month.
Thiem had ousted Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals on Friday and he too will be among the small group capable of preventing the Spaniard from claiming an 11th Roland Garros crown.
But the Austrian was outplayed, and over-powered, by Zverev, who collects his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title.
Zverev is now one of five active players to have won three, the others being Roger Federer, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.
The crowd on the Manolo Santana court were treated to an impressive display of aggressive baseline hitting. Thiem's 21 errors to Zverev's 12 proved key.
After conceding an early break for 2-0, Thiem's only sniff came at 5-4 when he opened up 0-30 on the Zverev serve. But his opponent did not waver, letting out a roar of relief after clinching the frame.
Another break in the first game of the second meant Thiem was again playing catch-up and Zverev could have moved 3-0 clear had Thiem not saved two more break points.
Instead, Thiem stayed in touch to make Zverev serve out. A sumptuous half-volley opened up two match points and Zverev took the first when a final Thiem forehand floated long.
The Masters 1000 Series continues with our coverage of the ATP Italian Open on Sky Sports Arena starting from 10am on Monday.
Keep up to date with the latest on www.skysports.com/tennis with news, previews, live blogs, reports and expert analysis. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.
Never miss the big kick-off or have to deal with interrupted games or low quality streams with a NOW TV Sky Sports Pass. You'll get exclusive coverage of the Premier League, Sky Bet EFL, EFL Cup and loads more starting from just £7.99. No contract.
