Former world no.1 Novak Djokovic is now finally starting to look like the player the tennis world is used to seeing. Since parting ways with three members of his coaching staff, the Serb reached the semi-finals of the Madrid Open and is now set to face 20-year old Alexander Zverev in his second final of the year at the Italian Open 2017.
The encounter between Djokovic and Zverev is set to be the first between the two and both men will be determined to make the most of it, especially Djokovic as he looks to win his fifth title in Rome and record 31st ATP Masters 1000 title.
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The final is also a big achievement for the young Zverev, who currently leads the Emirates ATP Race to Milan for the inaugural Next Gen ATP Finals, as he is appearing in his first ATP Masters 1000 championship. The German is also the youngest Rome finalist since 2006 and the youngest ATP Masters 1000 finalist.
Zverev has already won two titles in 2017, the BMW Open and at Montpellier, but a win today at the Italian Open will certainly be the biggest of his career so far and if he can manage to outclass Djokovic, it will be all the more special.
The young German is definitely one of the most promising and talented tennis stars out there and his performances at the Italian Open so far have justified that. Zverev has just dropped one set so far, in the Semi-finals against John Isner, which was also his only real test so far and also defeated the likes of Milos Raonic and Fabio Fognini to make it to the finals.
Speaking ahead of what is probably the biggest match of his career, livetennis.com quoted Zverev as saying: "I'm into my first final of a Masters 1000, which is great, and especially on clay... It's a very physical game and it's very tough points all the time, long points. I'm happy with the way I'm playing, but I still want to keep improving and I still want to develop my game and get better."
Given the age gap and the experience gap between Djokovic and Zverev, the Serb will definitely be the favourite to lift the title in Rome today but you can expect Zverev to certainly put up a fight and push Djokovic to the limit. As mentioned above, Djokovic seems to have rediscovered himself ever since he parted ways with his coaching staff and is yet to drop a set at the Italian Open 2017.
He was made to work hard for his win in his first two matches against Aljaz Bedene and Roberto Bautista Agut and he dominated his final two matches against Juan Martin Del Potro and Dominic Thiem. He defeated the Argentine 6-1, 6-4 and completely demolished Thiem 6-1, 6-0.
Djokovic will be looking to win only his second title of the year, the first coming in his first tournament of the year at the Qatar open, and he described his win against Thiem as the perfect match.
The Serb said that he was really grateful for this experience as he has been waiting and working hard for this. Speaking about his opponent, Djokovic said he will make sure he doesn't get his hands on that trophy or he'll at least try.
"He's a nice guy and someone that I like. I have seen him grow up. I know his older brother. It's amazing to see 10, 12 years ago, when he was only a boy going around with his racquet, and now we are going to play in the final of one of the biggest events in the world. It's a great beginning of his professional career he has had so far and he deserves to be in the final, but I'm going to make sure he doesn't get his hands on that trophy. I'll at least try," Djokovic said.
Where to watch
The Italian Open men's final between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev is set to start at 4 pm local time, 7:30pm IST and 3 pm BST.
TV and live streaming information
India: TV: Ten 3. Live Streaming: Sony Liv.
USA: TV: Tennis Channel. Live Streaming: Tennis Channel Live.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 3HD. Live streaming: Sky Go.
Global live stream: Live tennis.
