Madrid Open: Alexander Zverev overpowers Matteo Berrettini for title

The fifth seed, who was unable to convert a set point at 7/6 in the first-set tie-break, claimed three service breaks in the next two sets to complete a memorable week at La Caja Magica with the trophy. Zverev overcame three consecutive top-10 stars to claim the title, following earlier wins against five-time champion Rafael Nadal and two-time runners-up Dominic Thiem.

Germany's Alexander Zverev earned his second Madrid Open title when he defeated Matteo Berrettini 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3 to lift his fourth ATP Masters 1000 trophy.

The fifth seed, who was unable to convert a set point at 7/6 in the first-set tie-break, claimed three service breaks in the next two sets to complete a memorable week at La Caja Magica with the trophy.

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Zverev overcame three consecutive top-10 stars to claim the title, following earlier wins against five-time champion Rafael Nadal and two-time runners-up Dominic Thiem.

"It is great (to win this title), especially after losing my last three finals I played at Masters 1000 events," Zverev said.

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"This is definitely special and I just want to enjoy this one," the German told atptour.com.

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This is the second time that the 24-year-old has posted three or more top-10 wins at a single event, following his 2018 title run at the Nitto ATP Finals.

After trading breaks late in the first set, Berrettini overpowered Zverev to establish a 5/0 tie-break lead. Zverev made a remarkable comeback to earn set point at 7/6, but Berrettini played with aggression on his serve and forehand to escape danger. Four points later, the Italian fired another powerful serve out wide to convert his fourth set point.

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Zverev served with confidence and capitalised on a series of errors from his opponent at 4-4 in the second set to push the match to a decider, and he rode the momentum into the third set.

The 2018 ATP Finals champion outlasted Berrettini in baseline rallies to break at 2-2 and he converted his second championship point when the eighth seed fired wide on an attempted crosscourt backhand.

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