Alexander Zverev upsets Novak Djokovic to win Italian Open title

Alexander Zverev signaled his anticipated arrival among the tennis elite by defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 Sunday to win the Italian Open.

The 20-year-old Zverev became the youngest player to win a Masters 1000 event since Djokovic won in Miami a decade ago at 19.

“It’s nice to know that I can compete and play and win the biggest tournaments on tour against the biggest players on tour,” Zverev said.

Zverev broke in the very first game and was never really challenged by the second-ranked Djokovic, who appeared drained after having to win two matches Saturday to reach the final.

“He’s making his mark already,” Djokovic said. “Today winning one of the biggest tournaments — absolutely deserved. Played great, served great. On the other hand, he didn’t get much from my side. I played very poor today. Just couldn’t find any rhythm.”

The title will move Zverev up to a career-high No. 10 in the rankings Monday and place him among the contenders for the French Open, the year’s second Grand Slam that begins next Sunday.

Djokovic announced after the match that Andre Agassi will coach him at the French Open.

“Andre is someone who I have tremendous respect for,” Djokovic said. “He’s someone who can contribute to my life on and off the court.”

Djokovic split with longtime coach Marian Vajda and two other team members at the start of the month.

Djokovic says he talked on the phone with Agassi for the last couple of weeks but that the pair has no long-term commitment.

Earlier, Elina Svitolina surged to No. 1 in the season-long rankings race by beating Simona Halep 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 in the women’s final.

It was a tour-best fourth title this year for Svitolina and the most prestigious trophy of her career so far. The 22-year-old Ukrainian also leads the tour with 31 match wins this season, putting her among the favorites for the French Open, which starts next Sunday.

“Every day I’m just trying to work on my mental part, my physical, my tennis,” Svitolina said. “Everything just came together and I’m very happy that it’s happened in such a big tournament.”