Zverev makes history with rare Federer-Djokovic double

An inspired Alexander Zverev has defeated world No.1 Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 to win the ATP Finals, the biggest title of the German’s fledgling career.

The 21-year-old broke serve once in the opening set and three times in the second to pull off a shock victory in a packed 02 Arena – denying Serbian Djokovic a record-equalling sixth title at the ATP’s blue-riband event.

Djokovic was a firm favourite having looked unbeatable all week, not dropping a set or even a service game, but 24 hours after being booed following a semi-final win over Roger Federer, Zverev had the crowd drooling over an audacious display.

Zverev is the first German to win the title since Boris Becker in Frankfurt in 1995 and the youngest since Djokovic won at the same age in Shanghai in 2008.

He’s just the fourth player in tennis history to defeat Federer and Djokovic in the semi-finals and final of the same tournament.

David Nalbandian (Madrid 2007), Rafael Nadal (2007 and 2008 French Opens, Hamburg 2008) and Andy Murray (2012 Olympics) are the only men to have completed the double in the past.

Remarkably, the win came after Djokovic had beaten Zverev comfortably in the round-robin phase on Wednesday.

“I appreciate you sharing titles with me and matches,” Zverev told Djokovic, tongue firmly in cheek.

“Obviously you could win any match you want but I appreciate you letting me win one today.”

At 4-4 in the opener a couple of poor Djokovic forehands gave Zverev the chance to serve for the set and he sealed it thanks to three consecutive aces.

An increasingly ragged Djokovic then dropped his opening two service games of the second set, either side of breaking Zverev for the first time.

With victory looming, the world No.5 showed no sign of nerves and clinched the title when he sent a backhand winner past a stunned Djomovic.

He collapsed onto his back before Djokovic sportingly walked around to the other side to congratulate him.

with Reuters