Alexander Zverev shocked Novak Djokovic to win his maiden ATP Finals title in dominant fashion at London's O2 Arena.

The German, the youngest finalist in nine years at just 21, showed immense confidence in a high-quality final as he dispatched the 14-time Grand Slam champion 6-4, 6-3.

The victory marks a big moment in the career of Zverev as he finally delivered on the promise that has seen him win three Masters titles and become the shining light of a 'next generation' of up-and-coming tennis stars looking to upset the established order.

In a hugely entertaining first set both players showed the excellence that had brought them to this final stage after impressive seasons.

In the first set Zverev offered up fearless tennis, staying solid behind his huge serve, crushing down big groundstroke winners and taking on Djokovic at the net with a series of drive volleys.

The Serb barely made an error early on and defended manfully to get the better of the long rallies, but the German world No. 4's confidence was undiminished.

He finally struck at 4-4, profiting from a pair of uncharacteristic errors on the suddenly brittle Djokovic forehand to earn the break of serve.

It was the first time the world No. 1 had been broken all week and he was unable to bounce back as Zverev smashed down three massive aces, among 18 of 21 points he won on serve, to take the first set.

Djokovic was quickly in deep trouble at the start of the second as a pumped-up Zverev out-rallied him to earn another break point, and duly converted with a magnificent forehand winner after a pulsating back-of-the-court rally.

Alexander Zverev celebrates during the ATP Finals singles final against Novak Djokovic at the O2 Arena in London, Nov. 18, 2018. Julian Finney/Getty Images

The momentum shifted slightly in the next game as Zverev hit loose back-to-back double faults to let Djokovic back in, but he was unaffected, again exerting immense pressure on the Djokovic serve to break for the third time in a row and re-take the lead.

Zverev made a vital hold from 0-30 down at 3-2, picking up a beautiful volley near his feet as Djokovic fought desperately to regain parity.

But the former champion was unable to wrestle control from the powerful Zverev, who held serve well and then took advantage of a tired Djokovic service game, finishing off with a magnificent backhand winner down the line.

Zverev upsets the odds

"I am unbelievably happy. This is the biggest title I have won," said Zverev.

"I want to congratulate Novak on a great week and how you played in the second half of the season. We have never seen it before. You barely lost a match I am actually very happy you lost one this week!"

"The crowd have been absolutely amazing all week. I appreciate you all coming out to support and show love for the sport.

"It makes it so much easier for us to play so thank you for that."

Zverev became the first German champion since Boris Becker won in Frankfurt in 1995.

He recovered wonderfully from the controversy surrounding his semifinal victory over Roger Federer, when he was booed for stopping mid-rally when a ball-boy dropped a ball in his vision.

That win was itself a huge scalp for a player that has never gone beyond the quarterfinals at a Grand Slam, but here he went one better.

This breakthrough win meant he became just the fourth player to beat Federer in a semifinal and Djokovic in a final in the same tournament. The others are Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and David Nalbandian.

More than just the title, the way he overcame those world-leading players is likely to be a source of huge confidence for the German as he looks to improve his Grand Slam record in 2019.

Djokovic falls short after wonderful year

Novak Djokovic was aiming for a record-equalling sixth title to move level with Roger Federer, but he was unable to replicate the breathtaking form that saw him win every service game in his first four matches in London.

Although he came up against an inspired opponent in Zverev, Djokovic faltered particularly on his forehand and never managed to dictate play in the final.

He had been imperious up to that point, beating Zverev in straight sets during the group stage, but admitted his opponent's improvement had been crucial.

"Sascha [Zverev] definitely played much better than he did in the group stage. He deserved to win, he's still quite young but he's had an amazing career so far and I wish him all the best for his future," said Djokovic.

"Speaking of being young, hopefully I'll play many more years and I'll see you guys here in years to come.

"I want to thank my team for a great season. If we put things in perspective, it was an amazing year, a great comeback so thanks for helping me get to where I am.

"Thank you to the fans for supporting tennis for 11 months. It's a long season but you guys making it very enjoyable for all of us."

It has still been a great year for Djokovic, who recovered from a slow start to win the US Open and Wimbledon in a wonderful summer.</s>Novak Djokovic will target a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title when he takes on Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s showpiece, live on Sky Sports.

The world No 1 has progressed to the final without dropping a set or even losing his serve and is seen as a strong favourite to cap his brilliant second half to the season with a fifth title.

Djokovic has suffered only two defeats, against Stefanos Tsitsipas and Karen Khachanov, since the start of Wimbledon but in world No 5 Zverev he faces a difficult examination.

The 21-year-old produced a stunning performance full of composure to defeat Roger Federer in the semi-finals to become the first German since Boris Becker in 1996 to reach the championship match.

Having started the season with six wins from his opening 12 matches it has been some return to form for Djokovic, while Zverev continues to impress at the upper echelons of the game despite his relative inexperience compared with his leading peers.

Here we look ahead to Sunday's meeting…

Djokovic returned to the tour in January at the Australian Open for his first tournament in six months since Wimbledon the previous year and reached the fourth round.

Shortly afterwards Djokovic revealed he had undergone right elbow surgery but on his return he suffered back-to-back early exits at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, leaving him searching for answers.

Djokovic then decided to end his association with Andre Agassi before reuniting with former long-time coach Marian Vajda and despite some initial further disappointing defeats, his confidence began to pick up.

After a run to the French Open quarter-finals, he reached the Queen's final before winning his 13th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, having initially contemplated missing the grass court campaign.

The Serb then won the Cincinnati Masters for the first time to become the first singles player to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles and he maintained his form with a determined display at Flushing Meadows to secure back-to-back major titles.

Despite suffering defeat in the Paris Masters final he had already assured his return to world No 1 for the first time in two years and will now aim to celebrate another success in London.

As with Djokovic, it was an indifferent start to the campaign for the German, including a first-round defeat at Indian Wells but he responded with a run to the final at Miami.

Zverev underlined his ability on clay, making a successful defence of his Munich title on home soil before becoming only the fifth player to hold three or more Masters 1000 titles.

After pushing Rafael Nadal in the Rome Masters final he reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time at Roland Garros.

A disappointing grass court season followed but he returned to form with another successful defence in Washington. He joined forces with Ivan Lendl in the lead-up to the US Open but suffered a third-round exit.

Zverev secured his second successive appearance at the ATP Finals by reaching the Shanghai semi-finals before reaching the same stage in Basel as he reached the mark of 50 wins in the season.

Victory against Djokovic at the O2 Arena would surely go down as his biggest triumph.

The pair met for only the third time earlier this week when Djokovic saved a break point in a tight first set on the way to a straight-sets victory.

Zverev had won their first meeting in the Rome Masters final last year while Djokovic defeated the German in emphatic fashion on his way to winning a record fourth Shanghai title last month.

Djokovic said: "I'm expecting quite a different match-up for us [on Sunday] than what it was in the group stage, even though the win in the group stage against him a few days ago can definitely serve as kind of maybe a mental advantage a little bit coming into tomorrow's match, of course. The experience of playing so many matches at this level...

"But Sascha, even though he's a leader of the new generation, still kind of considered a young player, he's an established player. He's shown some great skill on the court the last couple of years. He's shown why he deserves to be in the mix of the top players in the world."

"Novak right now is the best player in the world. It's very tough to beat him. He's barely lost a match in the last six months," Djokovic said.

"He's playing amazing tennis. You have to play your best game to even have a chance. I hope I'll be able to do that [on Sunday]."

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We will have extensive coverage of the ATP Finals at London's O2 with Sunday's final live on Sky Sports Arena & Sky Sports Mix (which is for all sky customers at no extra cost!) from 3.30pm.</s>London: Alexander Zverev emphatically announced his arrival at the top of the men's game by overpowering Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 to win his first ATP Finals title on Sunday.

The 21-year-old German, making his second appearance at the end-of-season showpiece, outlasted six-time champion Roger Federer in the semi-finals and repeated the feat against the World No 1.

Djokovic had not been broken once in the tournament coming into the match, winning all 36 service games and only facing two break points but Zverev wrecked his numbers, breaking four times in the match.

The German, coached by Ivan Lendl, faltered just once when Djokovic broke him early in the second set but that was the only blemish on an extraordinary performance of power and skill.

"I really can't describe it," said Zverev. "It is the biggest title I have ever won. Firstly, I want to congratulate Novak and we may never have seen the tennis he has played in the last few months before. He barely lost a match but thankfully he did to me.

"We (Djokovic and Zverev) had so many talks, not only about tennis but all different types of subjects — I won't mention what — but you are a sharing person and you have shared some titles with me. I appreciate you letting me win one today."

The Serbian top seed, 31, came into the match seeking to equal Federer's record of six ATP Finals wins but was immediately aware he had a fight on his hands at London's O2 Arena.

Djokovic beat Zverev 6-4, 6-1 in their round-robin match on Wednesday but it was a different story in front of a packed and vociferous crowd on Sunday.

With both players going toe-to-toe from the back of the court, the first set went with serve until the ninth game, when Djokovic dumped a forehand into the net to concede the break.

Roared on by the crowd, Zverev hit three aces on his way to sealing the first set 6-4.

Still on a high, the third seed broke an out-of-sorts Djokovic immediately at the start of the second set to leave the top seed with a mountain to climb.

Showing nerves for the first time, he double-faulted twice in his next service game as Djokovic got back on level terms but the German broke again to lead 2-1 as the Serb's error count mounted.

Zverev broke Djokovic for the third time in the second set in the ninth game, producing a stunning backhand down the line at full stretch to win the championship.

The young German has often been talked about as the leader of the next generation but despite having three Masters titles under his belt in his short career, he has a poor record at the Grand Slams.

Djokovic slipped to an unaccustomed low of 22nd in the world earlier this year but has lost just three matches since the beginning of Wimbledon as he charged back up the rankings.

"Sascha (Zverev) definitely played much better than he did in the group stage," he said. "He deserved to win. He's still quite young but he's had an amazing career so far and I wish him all the best for his future.

"Speaking of being young, hopefully, I'll play many more years and I'll see you guys here in years to come."</s>This has unquestionably been Novak Djokovic’s year in men’s tennis. But that didn’t matter to Alexander Zverev on Sunday as he stunned Djokovic 6-4 6-3 in London to become the youngest winner of the year-end championships since the Serb himself in 2008.

Djokovic had looked destined to become the first man since Zverev’s coach, Ivan Lendl, in 1986 to win the World Tour Finals or its predecessors without dropping a set, such has been his glittering form at the O2 Arena and in the second half of 2018 in general.

The newly returned world No. 1 hadn’t even dropped serve all week.

He had won 35 of his past 37 matches, including titles at Wimbledon and the US Open to lift his tally of majors to 14 in a remarkable comeback campaign.

Indeed all signs pointed to Djokovic equaling Roger Federer’s haul of six year-end crowns — Federer lost to Zverev in a dramatic semifinal Saturday.

Yet Zverev — the 21-year-old tipped to be a multiple grand slam winner in the future despite a rocky start to his grand slam career — was the last man standing to also become Germany’s first champion at the event since one of his mentors, Boris Becker, in 1995.

No one before had ever beaten Djokovic and Federer at the same edition of the year-end championships.

“Obviously it’s quite astonishing, winning this title, beating two such players back-to-back, Roger and Novak, in the semifinals and finals,” Zverev told reporters. “Means so much. I’m incredibly happy and incredibly proud of this moment right now.”

“I was making way too many unforced errors,” Djokovic told reporters. “From 4-4 in the first set, my game really fell apart. But credit to him because he played solid.

“Health wise I haven’t been really perfect in the last three, four weeks,” added Djokovic. “That took a lot out of me.

“Of course finishing the year as No. 1, that was the goal coming into the indoor season. I managed to achieve that. Overall it was a phenomenal season that I have to be definitely very proud of.”

The 6-foot-6 Zverev served huge Sunday — delivering 10 aces — covered the court terrifically and cleverly altered the shape on his ground strokes, pinning a baffled Djokovic back by hitting with plenty of spin.

When the world No. 4 fell to Djokovic in the group stage 6-4 6-1, the ninth game proved massive.

Djokovic saved two break points, broke in the next game, then cruised.

The ninth game was pivotal again in the title match and on this occasion it went Zverev’s way. He broke courtesy of a forehand error and clubbed three aces to begin the ensuing game.

A rattled Djokovic was broken again to start the second but when he broke right back, it felt like a comeback could be on the cards. This was, after all, Djokovic.

It was not to be, however, with Zverev breaking for 2-1 to regain the advantage and never looking back.

He struck a backhand passing shot winner on a second match point, then dropped to the court in joy. Djokovic was soon there to greet him.

Zverev, whose older brother Mischa is a tennis pro, later hoisted the trophy and picked up a check of $2.5 million.

The decider once again showed how difficult it is to beat the same player twice at the year-end championships. It has now only happened eight of 18 times.

“I knew that he’s going to change something, he’s going to play better and he did,” said Djokovic. “I just played under par comparing to all the matches I had so far this week.”

There were no boos for Zverev, a day after a section of the roughly 17,500 fans at the O2 Arena got on his case after he defeated Federer 7-5 7-6 (5).

Simply ousting the ever popular Swiss wasn’t the reason for the jeers. Rather Zverev stopped play trailing 4-3 in the second-set tiebreak when a ball boy moved to retrieve a ball rolling on court.

Federer held the advantage in the rally but the point was replayed. Zverev duly struck an ace.

Even though he did nothing wrong — the rules dictate the point should have been replayed — a flustered Zverev felt the crowd’s wrath while being interviewed on court.

“Yesterday I felt like I’ve done everything right, to be honest, by the rules and how it should have been. But the crowd reaction wasn’t too good to me,” said Zverev.

“I was a little bit sad because as tennis players, we take it very personal, this kind of stuff. It’s a one-on-one sport, so we take things more personal than other sports.

“Today, the mindset, I just wanted to enjoy being out there, I just wanted to enjoy competing and playing against the best player in the world.”

He looked like he did enjoy it.

And as for the fans, they were fully supportive Sunday in what was an unexpected conclusion to the season.</s>LONDON (Reuters) - Twenty four hours after being booed for having the audacity to take down a tennis great, Alexander Zverev returned to topple another one as he stunned Novak Djokovic to win the ATP Finals title on Sunday.

Zverev, billed as the player most likely to lead the sport into a new golden era once the holy trinity of Roger Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have hung up their rackets, took full advantage of an off-key Serb to win 6-4 6-3.

Hamburg-born Zverev had been shamefully booed and heckled on Saturday by a Federer-worshipping crowd having beaten the six-time champion after a controversial second-set tiebreak.

Against world number one Djokovic, however, the 18,000 fans wedged into the cavernous O2 arena were roaring their support as he produced a level of tennis his opponent could not match.

He struck 20 winners to Djokovic’s seven — the last of which was a backhand to end a one hour and 19 minute duel.

“I really can’t describe it. It is the biggest title I have ever won,” Zverev said on court after becoming the first German to win the ATP’s most prestigious title — often referred to as ‘the fifth slam’ — since Boris Becker in Frankfurt in 1995.

In becoming the youngest ATP Finals champion since Djokovic, also 21, in 2008, Zverev sent out a clear message that he is ready to spend a considerable amount of time at tennis’ top table and start accumulating the game’s biggest prizes.

Djokovic, whose error-strewn display was a shock after a dominant week in south east London which included an easy round-robin win over Zverev, sportingly walked around the net to congratulate his conqueror after match point — the German still laying on his back in a state of disbelief.

Later, Djokovic told reporters: “There’s a lot of similarities in terms of trajectory of professional tennis, in our careers. Hopefully he can surpass me.

“There’s a lot of time ahead of him. (I) Wish him to stay healthy and obviously win a lot of titles.”

Zverev, younger brother of Tour pro Mischa and now coached by eight-times major champion Ivan Lendl, is yet to go past the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam.

That is still the test next year but on Sunday he displayed an added sense of maturity, to go with the natural flair and easy power that have marked him out as a future number one.

His forehand, often regarded as a weakness, was armour-plated and he showed a refreshing willingness to attack the net — a skill he perhaps has learned from his brother.

Most impressive was that he often prevailed in the long, attritional baseline rallies in which Djokovic has used as the foundation for 14 Grand Slam titles.

The opening eight games resembled a boxing match with both players probing for weaknesses — although it was evident that Zverev’s packed the more powerful punches.

Djokovic, winner of 35 of his last 37 matches during a dominant second half of the year which propelled him back to world number one, had not dropped serve all week and had faced only two break points in his four previous matches.

But at 4-4 he wavered as he yanked an edgy forehand halfway up the net to give Zverev the chance to serve for the set.

Zverev took his opportunity in emphatic fashion — blasting down three consecutive aces then winning the set when another Djokovic forehand flew long.

An increasingly-ragged Djokovic then dropped his opening two service games of the second set, either side of breaking Zverev for the first time as the German played a rare loose game.

The crowd still expected a Djokovic fight back but it never materialised and at 3-5 the 31-year-old crumbled, serving a double-fault to help Zverev earn two match points.

He saved the first but was left standing as Zverev conjured a stunning backhand to cap a brilliant display.</s>Novak Djokovic destroys Kevin Anderson to set up meeting with Alexander Zverev at ATP Finals

In-form Novak Djokovic produced a spellbinding performance to destroy Kevin Anderson and set up a meeting with Alexander Zverev in Sunday's showpiece at the ATP Finals.

Djokovic extended his winning run over the South African to eight matches, including the Wimbledon final earlier this year, with a comprehensive 6-2 6-2 victory on Saturday night.

Djokovic will now take on German Zverev, who has three Masters series titles under his belt in his short career, and is the youngest finalist at the event since Juan Martin del Potro in 2009, after he shocked Federer in the earlier match.

Djokovic, who has not dropped a single set in his four matches in London, has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in the second half of the season after elbow surgery and indifferent form earlier in the year.

He has lost just two matches since the start of July, winning Wimbledon, the US Open, and Masters 1000 titles in Cincinnati and Shanghai along the way and emerging once more as the man to beat as he attempts to pull level with Roger Federer on six ATP Finals titles.

The 31-year-old Serb made his intentions clear from the opening game with a break and he continued to make life difficult for Anderson by squeezing the court and forcing a 17th error from the South African's racket for a 5-2 lead.

He served out the set in 39 minutes, with an air of inevitability building around a capacity O2 Arena.

Anderson, who became the first African player to reach the semi-finals in the tournament's history, cut a disconsolate figure when hot favourite for the year-end title Djokovic tightened his grip with an immediate break at the start of the second set.

He secured the double-break for a comfortable 4-1 lead with a crushing forehand and it was all over two games later, closing it out in 75 minutes, as he sealed his spot in Sunday's finale.

"Stunning again! His ability to get behind the ball and change direction," Sky Sports' Barry Cowan applauds Djokovic's winner.

Novak's best of this week

"I think it was the best match I have played so far this week. It came at the right time. Kevin was playing some really good tennis this week. He lost the serve in the first game and that obviously makes a big difference," said Djokovic.

"He relies a lot on his serve. His first serve percentage was quite low. It wasn't working and the crucial stat is trying to win as many points as possible on his second serve. I was trying to constantly put pressure on his service games and use my serve accurately. It worked really well."

Djokovic leads the meetings with Zverev 2-1 having beaten the 21-year-old German 6-4 6-1 earlier in the week in their round-robin group match. The Serb also defeated Zverev 6-2 6-1 in Shanghai this year, but lost to the young pretender 6-4 6-3 in the Rome Masters final in 2017.

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We will have extensive coverage of the ATP Finals at London's O2 with Sunday's final live on Sky Sports Arena & Sky Sports Mix (which is for all sky customers at no extra cost!) from 3.30pm.</s>An inspired Alexander Zverev has beaten world No.1 Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 to win the ATP Finals, the biggest title of the German's fledgling career.

The 21-year-old broke serve once in the opening set and three times in the second to pull off a shock victory in a packed 02 Arena on Sunday, denying Serbian Djokovic a record-equalling sixth title at the ATP's blue-riband event.

Djokovic was a firm favourite having looked unbeatable all week, not dropping a set or even a service game, but 24 hours after being booed following a semi-final win over Roger Federer, Zverev had the crowd drooling over an audacious display.

Zverev is the first German to win the title since Boris Becker in Frankfurt in 1995 and the youngest since Djokovic won at the same age in Shanghai in 2008.

"I really can't describe it. It's the biggest title I've won in my career," said Zverev.

"Novak has been incredible and he's barely lost a match but I'm glad you lost one to me today."

Djokovic had beaten Zverev comfortably in the round-robin phase on Wednesday, but he looked edgy.

At 4-4 in the opener, a couple of poor Djokovic forehands gave Zverev the chance to serve for the set and he sealed it, thanks to three consecutive aces.

An increasingly ragged Djokovic then dropped his opening two service games of the second set, either side of breaking Zverev for the first time.

With victory looming, world No.5 Zverev showed no sign of nerves and clinched the title when he sent a backhand winner past a stunned Djokovic to claim the win in one hour 20 minutes.

He collapsed on to his back before Djokovic sportingly walked around to the other side to congratulate him.

Zverev is now coached by five-time tour finals champion and eight-time grand slam winner Ivan Lendl.

"Ivan thanks for joining the team," added Zverev.

"Even though he won't stop crying until next year and can barely understand what I'm saying."

Earlier, American pair Mike Bryan and Jack Sock saved a match point in the deciding tiebreaker to beat Pierre-Hughes Herbert and Nicolas Mahut 5-7, 6-1, 13-11 for their first ATP Finals doubles title together.

Having failed to take advantage of five championship points during the first-to-10 match tiebreaker, Bryan and Sock then had to save one against their French opponents before finally closing out victory.</s>Alexander Zverev landed the biggest win of his career by shocking Novak Djokovic to win the ATP Finals.

The 21-year-old German, who was booed by indignant Roger Federer fans after beating their idol 24 hours earlier, saw off the world No 1 6-4 6-3 to the delight of the vast majority at London’s 02.

Djokovic, seeking to win a sixth title, had not dropped a set all week and had swatted aside Zverev in the group stages, losing just five games.

But the 31-year-old Serbian may just have run out of steam a little following an incredible run of form over the last six months.

Yet this was a deserved victory for Zverev, who broke his opponent four times in total and finished the match with a vicious, curling passing shot.

British fans had yet to see the best of Zverev who, despite being seeded fourth at Wimbledon this year, bowed out in the third round to Ernests Gulbis.

In fact he has yet to make it past the quarter-finals of a grand slam, but the affable youngster, 6ft 6in tall with his long hair and gold chains, has a definite star quality – and now he can add the London crown to his three Masters titles.

“I really can’t describe it. It is the biggest title I have ever won,” said Zverev.

“Firstly I want to congratulate Novak – we may never have seen the tennis he has played in the last few months before. He barely lost a match – but thankfully he did to me.”

The new champion fell to the floor in jubilation and was warmly congratulated on court by Djokovic, who said: “I’m really happy for him.

“I mean, obviously it’s not great to lose a tennis match, especially in the finals of a big tournament. I’m quite disappointed with my game. But I’m happy he won the big title because we have a really good and friendly relationship. Obviously you could see how much it means to him. He deserved it.

“Health-wise I haven’t been really perfect in the last three or four weeks. That took a lot out of me. But I have to be happy with that result.

“Finishing the year as world No 1, that was the goal coming into the indoor season. I managed to achieve that.

“Overall it was a phenomenal season that I have to be very proud of.”</s>LONDON (Reuters) - An inspired Alexander Zverev beat world number one Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 to win the ATP Finals on Sunday — the biggest title of the German’s fledgling career.

The 21-year-old broke serve once in the opening set and three times in the second to pull off a shock victory in a packed 02 Arena — denying Serbian Djokovic a record-equalling sixth title at the ATP’s blue-riband event.</s>Alexander Zverev stunned Novak Djokovic to become the youngest ATP Finals winner in a decade, with a dominant display at the O2 Arena.

Few gave Zverev a prayer after he was torn apart by the Serb in the group stages, but he has gathered momentum throughout the tournament with his semi-final victory over Roger Federer perhaps a catalyst for further excellence.

His display was as assured as it was dominant, with the world No. 1 struggling to contain the 21-year-old, as he stormed to a 6-4 6-3 win in an hour and 19 minutes to become the first German winner since Boris Becker triumphed in Frankfurt in 1995.

Remarkably, he became only the fourth player to beat Federer and Djokovic in the semi-finals and final of the same tournament, after Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and David Nalbandian.

Djokovic had enjoyed a remarkable week prior to Sunday’s final, particularly on serve, but he appeared fatigued and out of sorts, with his forehand a notably casualty.

He’d been suffering with a cold earlier in the tournament – as well as at the Paris Masters – and could be seen blowing his nose on court once again.

But that’s to take nothing away from Zverev, who became the youngest winner of this event since a 20-year-old Djokovic won the 2008 edition of the ATP Finals out in Shanghai.

In doing so, he collected a cool $2,509,000 (£1,950,000) in prize money and 1,300 ranking points, which sees him end the year just 35 points behind Federer in the rankings – with the 37-year-old Swiss defending 2,000 points at the Australian Open at the beginning of 2019.

Many have tipped the German to be the heir to the tennis throne in the era beyond the ‘Big Four’ and this title may yet prove to be another stepping stone on his way to realising that dream.

This week has felt like a coming of age for Zverev, although he has won big best-of-three titles in the past – with three Masters 1000 crowns to his name – but he now must push on at Slam level if he’s truly to be considered as a major threat to the old guard.

Though it ended in defeat, Djokovic will be able to look back on 2018 fondly.

He equalled Pete Sampras’ haul of 14 Grand Slam titles by winning Wimbledon and the US Open, while becoming the only player to win all nine Masters 1000 events following his win over Federer in Cincinnati and becoming the oldest year-end No. 1.

The Serb began the day by practising some form of meditation barefoot on a tree – in some yet to be known London park – and showed typical mental calm and poise as he negotiated a 29-shot rally in just the opening game of the match.

Indeed, the crowd – including David Beckham – were able to sink their teeth into host of spell-binding rallies in the opening set, with Zverev ably going toe-to-toe with the top seed.

It was Djokovic, in fact, who cracked first. Facing just his third break point of the week – all of which had come against the German – the Serb tamely dumped a forehand into the net as he was broken for the first time throughout the event in London.

A wild service game from the youngster followed, with Djokovic suddenly springing to life again and he hit back immediately.

Incredibly, a third consecutive break came for Zverev, with Djokovic squatting down at the back of the court at 15-30 down appearing exhausted before dumping a drop-shot and a forehand into the net to surrender his serve once more.

That proved to be the crucial break as Zverev continued to hold before clinching a fourth break of the match as he stormed to the biggest win of his short career.

Zverev followed up his break brilliantly, dispatching three aces in a row before wrapping up a one-set lead.

All of a sudden, the 31-year-old was rattled and he was forced to dig out a timely unreturned first serve down the T to save break point in his opening service game of the second set but he was broken again moments later with Zverev thumping a forehand winner up the line at the end of a nervy rally.

A wild service game from the youngster followed, with Djokovic suddenly springing to life again and he hit back immediately.

Incredibly, a third consecutive break came for Zverev, with Djokovic squatting down at the back of the court at 15-30 down appearing exhausted before dumping a drop-shot and a forehand into the net to surrender his serve once more.

He fell to the floor after his final backhand passing shot, with Djokovic graciously climbing over the net to congratulate the German after the match.

There proved to be great drama in the doubles earlier on Sunday.

Wimbledon and US Open champions Jack Sock and Mike Bryan fought back from a set down to beat French pairing Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert 5-7 6-1 13-11.

The Americans led 9-5 in the championship tiebreak but squandered five match points before being match point down at 10-11, before Herbert painfully double faulted the title away.

Bryan became just the sixth man to win the season-ending title with at least two different partners, while Sock was the first player to reach the semi-finals of the singles and win the doubles title since John McEnroe won both back in 1984.
In tennis, Alexander Zverev upsets Novak Djokovic 6–4, 6–3 to win his first ATP Finals title.