Alexander Zverev cruises past Andrey Rublev to lift fifth Masters 1000 title
German star Alexander Zverev raced past Andrey Rublev in convincing fashion to win the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati.
The world number four completed a dominant week with a commanding 6-2 6-3 victory against the Russian, becoming the first German to win the event since Boris Becker 36 years ago.
Bizarrely, the 24-year-old had failed to win a single contest in six previous appearances at the tournament, though finally produced in Cincinnati to lift his fourth tour-level title of the calendar year.
“The first win I ever had on these courts was on Wednesday, four days ago, and now I have my first title here,” Zverev said in his on-court interview.
“It has been an incredible week, a lot of great matches. It is an incredible feeling going into the US Open.”
Zverev, who rallied from a double break down in the decider against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-finals, extended his winning streak to 11 matches after capturing Olympic gold in Tokyo earlier this month.
“I was playing pretty good tennis,” Zverev added. “I did not do a big celebration because I know how Andrey feels because we have been best friends since we were 11 years old and I know he is seeking his first Masters 1000 win, but it is going to come very soon.
“I don’t want to get ahead of myself yet. I won the gold medal and just won a Masters, which I am very happy about and am looking forward to New York.”
STUNNING SASCHA 🙌@AlexZverev is the @CincyTennis champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/DoYORmHxax
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 22, 2021
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