Alexander Zverev won his second career title at the Rome Masters following a gap of seven years as he beat Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5 on Sunday after squandering three match points.
The German repeated his trophy performance at the Foro Italico from 2017 as he overcame the determined Chilean in one and three-quarter hours.
Zverev had a pair of winning chances in the 10th game of the second set as his opponent struck back-to-back double-faults to hand over two match points.
Zverev blew them both as the drama continued. Jarry saved one more in the final game before the German clinched victory with a forehand winner, earning a sixth Masters 1000 honour.
“I won my first major title here, it means a lot,” Zverev, who lost only five points on serve, said. “This is a very, very special week.
“I’m extremely happy to be the winner. Nico is playing huge, he’s playing incredible tennis.”
Zverev added; “My focus now is on Paris (French Open starting in a week). But let me enjoy this one for a day or so.”
The winner claimed his first Master trophy since 2021 Madrid. A serious Roland Garros ankle injury just over a year later kept him out for the rest of 2022 and threw his future into doubt.
Zverev is the 10th player to capture multiple Rome titles in Open Era.
“The last two years have been difficult, I didn’t know if I would be on this stage, winning or losing,” he said.
Jarry came close to tears as he thanked his family members in the stands.
“It’s been an incredible week, there has been a lot of sacrifice form myself and those behind me.
“It was an honour to be here and play this final. I hope to come back again and try to win it.
“I take this (runner-up) trophy home with pride.”
Jarry was playing his first ATP Masters final, first Chilean to get this far since Fernando Gonzalez at 2007 Rome.
Main photo:- Alexander Zverev wins Rome title – by ISF Ltd
