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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

After entertaining fans with some breathtaking tennis, the Cincinnati Open 2021 met with its eventual conclusion. Courtesy of an enthralling final, the tournament ended in blistering style. The world tuned in to watch two of Tennis’ uprising stars battle it for the ultimate prize. Naturally, it was all guns blazing as Russia’s Andrey Rublev took on Alexander Zverev, in what was a clash of the titans.

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German international, Alexander Zverev, was all glitter and gold, courtesy of his heroics at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He rode high on confidence, walking into the tournament as a fan favorite. However, getting past his fellow Olympic gold medalist would be far from easy. Notably, Andrey Rublev played some of his best tennis in the semi-finals of the tournament, defeating World No. 2, Daniil Medvedev, for the first time in his career.

Regardless, not feared by his opponent’s recent stunt, Alexander cruised to victory in dominant style and made history while doing so.

One for the record books

Both the Tennis stars tasted gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While Alexander won in the men’s singles category, Rublev bagged gold in the mixed doubles event. Hence, not just the title, but a chance of etching their name in the history books of the sport was at stake. However, after a fierce battle against the World No. 7, Alexander continued his unbeaten streak from Tokyo and clinched his 17th Singles title.

Notably, he became the first player to win the Olympic Gold medal and the Cincinnati Open in the same year, since the legend Andre Agassi. This is a feat that neither of the ‘big 3’, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic have achieved.

Alexander put on a show in the finals, as he beat Rublev in dominating style. With lethal attacking, he established his authority in the game, gaining an upper hand over his counterpart. Courtesy of his intimidating stature and an exuberant run of form, Alexander beat Andrey in straight sets, adding yet another accolade to his name.

As the scoreline read, 2-6, 3-6 to the World No. 5, he tasted glory yet again but left the Russian in agony.

Watch this story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

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“I’m very happy”- Alexander Zverev

Undoubtedly, the 24-year-old German is having the time of his life, living back-to-back career astonishing moments. Post the final, he opened up about his feelings over the 5th Masters 1000 title. He said, “I went back to work. I went back to practice in Monaco, I was preparing for this tournament. I’m very happy to have this trophy now.” 

USA Today via Reuters

All eyes now turn to the forthcoming US Open. Unquestionably, Zverev will be one of the favorites for the ultimate prize. However, with a star-studded line-up ready to grace the courts of New York, it will take something special for the German kid to rise above everyone. He has proved his money’s worth repeatedly this season, but can he keep up with his blistering form, even in the toughest test of all? Fans anxiously wait to find out.

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Read more: CLINICAL! Alexander Zverev Sweeps Past Andrey Rublev To Clinch Cincinnati Open 2021

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