ALEXANDER Zverev stunned world No 2 and four-time champion Novak Djokovic to lift the Italian Open title in Rome.
The German, who at the age of 20 years and one month was the youngest Masters finalist since Djokovic himself in 2007, claimed a 6-4, 6-3 win and will now move into the world’s top 10.
It was all too much for Djokovic, who received a code violation for an audible obscenity in the seventh game of the second set, then double-faulted to hand Zverev match point.
A long backhand by the Serbian, who will celebrate his 30th birthday today, subsequently served up victory to his highly-rated opponent.
Djokovic’s semi-final win over Milos Raonic had hinted he was close to recovering his best form after a poor year culminated in the sacking of his entire coaching staff earlier this month.
Shortly after losing the final, he announced that eight-time grand slam winner Andre Agassi would be coaching him at the upcoming French open, following a conversation two weeks ago.
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