Alexander Zverev defeated an injured Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to claim the Rogers Cup title in Montreal.
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Despite Federer showing some movement issues in the second set, Zverev was a big-hitting force throughout the match, winning his fifth title of the year.
“Winning two Masters 1000 titles in the same year is something amazing,” said Zverev. “I played well winning Washington and here. It’s something amazing, back-to-back weeks. I feel great. I feel like I’m playing some of the best tennis of my life.”
Zverev improved to 5-1 in finals this year and 6-3 career.
“I feel like I’m playing the right tennis, well enough tennis to be there,” the 20-year-old said. “I don’t feel like things are going unnatural. I think everything is going pretty natural.”
Zverev fought off all three break points he faced and converted on two of six occasions. He broke at 2-1 in the first set and 3-3 in the second.
Federer wouldn’t speak of length of any specific injuries or issues.
“I felt all right all week,” the Swiss said. “Had a bit of muscle pain, aches and pains here and there, just because it’s back on the match courts, on the hardcourts. After vacation and practice, it’s always a bit of a shock for the body. We’ll have to wait and see now how I feel in the next couple of days.
“It is a positive week in the end. The final was unexpected. But it’s keeping up with the good results of this year. Playing the final was a good thing. Of course, I’m disappointed with today. I thought I would do better. I wanted to fight a bit more and make the match a bit more tighter. I had opportunities. But Zverev played extremely well. He played well all week.
“At this level I’ve gotten to play him already now for the fourth or fifth time. I practiced a ton with him. We know each other well. I’m just really happy for him, to see that he’s taking everything not just to the next level, but the two next levels, winning two Masters 1000s. It’s extremely difficult to win. He’s won two this year. It’s a wonderful achievement for him. I wish him the best for the coming months and hope he can finish the season very strong because there’s opportunities now.”
Federer fell to 5-1 in finals this year and 93-49 in career finals, and can reclaim the No. 1 ranking next week in Cincinnati.
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