Alexander Zverev secured his second Rome Open title on Sunday, defeating Nicolas Jarry 6-4, 7-5. This victory marks Zverev's biggest title since his severe ankle injury at the French Open two years ago.
The world number five, who also claimed the Rome Open title in 2017, triumphed in his sixth Masters 1000 event, making this his 11th Masters final. This achievement ties him with Boris Becker for the most Masters finals by a German since the series began in 1990.
Zverev's initial victory in Rome seven years ago was a milestone in his career, and Sunday's win is his first significant title since the injury at the 2022 French Open semi-finals.
"Rome is a very special place for me," Zverev expressed on court. "I said at the beginning of the week that if Rome is the place of firsts for me then I'm extremely happy about it. Obviously a very, very special week. The focus is on Paris right now, that's for sure, but let me enjoy this one for a day or so and then I'll focus on Paris."
In the final, Zverev faced Chile's Jarry, who had previously overcome Stefanos Tsitsipas and Tommy Paul in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively. However, Jarry couldn't replicate his earlier performances, and Zverev secured the win in one hour and 41 minutes, dropping just five points on his serve.
This win gives Zverev his first Masters 1000 title since his Cincinnati victory in August 2021 and his first title of the year since winning in Chengdu in September.
Reflecting on his performance, Jarry said, "My feeling right now is I want to go to Roland Garros and play better because I know I can play better and do good there. I'm very motivated. That's how I am right now."
The Rome Open saw several top names eliminated early or absent due to injuries. Six-time champion Novak Djokovic was ousted in the third round by Zverev's semi-final opponent, Alejandro Tabilo. Last year's winner Daniil Medvedev exited at the last-16 stage, while Italian world number two Jannik Sinner and third-ranked Carlos Alcaraz both missed the tournament due to injuries.
In the women's doubles, Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini gave Italian fans a reason to celebrate by defeating Coco Gauff and Erin Routliffe to claim the title. The unseeded Italian duo won 6-3, 4-6, 10-8, bringing cheer to the Foro Italico crowd, especially with the absence of Italian favorites Sinner and Matteo Berrettini from the tournament.
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