Alexander Zverev reveals what he told Nicolas Jarry after their Rome Masters showdown
Alexander Zverev is celebrating his sixth Master Series triumph after defeating Nicolas Jarry in straight sets but had some words of encouragement for the Chilean after the match.
Zverev believes that Jarry is playing incredible tennis and he can see why the world No 24 has been such a threat in Rome.
Jarry will move to a new career-high ranking of world No 17 next week and Zverev believes that this won’t be his last Masters final.
Zverev was playing in his 11th Masters final but his first since returning from a serious injury that saw him miss several months of action.
The German will rise to No 4 in the rankings thanks to the win and secure the No 4 seeding for Roland Garros as well but he felt huge relief to come through the contest against Jarry.
“He is playing huge and you can see by the players he has beaten here this week,” Zverev said when asked about Jarry after his win.
“Playing incredible tennis. I told him if he continues to play like that he will have many chances at this level. Today I am extremely happy to be the winner.”
Zverev has found Jarry to be one of the most impressive players on the tour during the clay swing.
“I think Nicolas is one of the most aggressive players we have on the tour. Obviously huge serve, huge forehand. Tries to hit big from both sides of the court,” Zverev assessed.
It is the third time that top-ranked German has reached the Rome Masters final and his second title in the Eternal City.
Zverev believes that Rome is a special place as the site of his first ATP 1000 title and his first at the level since returning from injury.
“Obviously winning my first ever [Masters] here in Rome and winning my first after my injury also in Rome, so Rome is a very special place for me,” Zverev said. “It is a very, very special week.”
Prior to the final Zverev had confessed his love of Rome even beyond the confines of the Foro Italico where he has enjoyed significant moments.
“If Rome is the place for firsts for me, then I’m happy about that,” Zverev said after his semi-final triumph.
“My first Masters 1000, as you said, as a 20-year-old was here. If this is my first Masters 1000 after the injury, I’m happy about that, as well. Especially at a place that I really love. Even outside of tennis, it’s a city that I absolutely love and enjoy.”
