Russia’s Daniil Medvedev has won his second Masters title with a 6-4 6-1 victory over German Alexander Zverev at the Shanghai Masters.
In his sixth consecutive tournament final on Sunday, Medvedev built a 3-0 lead, and despite being broken back, Zverev double-faulted twice trailing 5-4 to concede the first set.
Zverev’s serve faltered further in the second set as Medvedev broke twice to create an unassailable 5-0 lead before crowning his Shanghai victory with an ace after 74 minutes.
“This one is also amazing because Shanghai I think is one of the most prestigious Masters on the tour,” Medvedev said.
“Especially in the past 10 years, there were only three players who managed to win this one, so it’s really special to have my photo in the corridor over the next many years.”
Medvedev, who was a US Open finalist this year, adds his latest triumph to the Cincinnati Masters title he won in August against David Goffin.
Since losing to Rafael Nadal, the world No.4 has collected 18 consecutive sets in a phenomenal run for a 23-year-old.
“I would not believe it,” said Medvedev when asked about his current form.
“It’s something outrageous that I’ve done in the past few months and I have been working for it. But it is how it is, I just take it and I hope I’m going to do much more.”
Meanwhile, the reigning ATP Finals champion Zverev is still yet to qualify for November’s season-ending event in London, but his run in Shanghai keeps his hopes alive for claiming a place.
“I feel like I’m playing well,” said Zverev, a four-time Masters-level champion, after competing in his sixth final.
“I feel like I’m on a very good path again. But obviously I have to be on this path for a longer period of time, I think.
“But making the final of a Masters is huge for me right now, and I’m very happy about that.”