Alexander Zverev has found a new love for the Yorkshire accent after surviving the second round at&nbsp;Roland-Garros. He defeated&nbsp;Lajovic in sets and move forward to the next round of the competition.

German star Zverev seemed relaxed and confident during his post-match press interaction and particularly enjoyed hearing the Yorkshire accent.

A reporter asked a question and Zverev gave an unusual response, he said, "Where you from, buddy?" and after that the conversation became interesting, watch the video:

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Zverev struggling with the Yorkshire accent. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/p9h0IepaPo">pic.twitter.com/p9h0IepaPo</a>
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Alexander Zverev: "Where you from, buddy?"

Reporter: "Do you want to guess? Yorkshire in England."

Alexander Zverev: "Nice. If I ever make a tournament there I'm coming just because of that accent. Love it. I didn't understand a word you're saying, but it's not important."

Reporter: "You clearly enjoy your tennis."

Alexander Zverev: "Not as much as your accent, buddy. I love that."

Reporter: "I will come to all your press conferences now."

Alexander Zverev: "I love that."

German world number three Zverev found himself in deep trouble when trailing by two sets to one against Lajovic, but the Serbian ran out of gas as it finished 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

But Zverev moved into round three for the second time, where he will play Bosnian 26th seed Damir Dzumhur, as he looks to become the first German man to win the title since 1937.

Alexander Zverev found a new love for the Yorkshire accent after surviving the scare of the second round to move forward to the next round of Roland-Garros

Alexander Zverev has found a new love for the Yorkshire accent after surviving the second round at Roland-Garros. He defeated Lajovic in sets and move forward to the next round of the competition. German star Zverev seemed relaxed and confident during his post-match press interaction and particularly enjoyed hearing the Yorkshire accent. A reporter asked a question and Zverev gave an unusual response, he said, "Where you from, buddy?" and after that the conversation became interesting, watch the video: Zverev struggling with the Yorkshire accent. #RG18 pic.twitter.com/p9h0IepaPo — ㅤㅤㅤ (@Dani___Alves) May 31, 2018 × Alexander Zverev: "Where you from, buddy?" Reporter: "Do you want to guess? Yorkshire in England." Alexander Zverev: "Nice. If I ever make a tournament there I'm coming just because of that accent. Love it. I didn't understand a word you're saying, but it's not important." Reporter: "You clearly enjoy your tennis." Alexander Zverev: "Not as much as your accent, buddy. I love that." Reporter: "I will come to all your press conferences now." Alexander Zverev: "I love that." German world number three Zverev found himself in deep trouble when trailing by two sets to one against Lajovic, but the Serbian ran out of gas as it finished 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. But Zverev moved into round three for the second time, where he will play Bosnian 26th seed Damir Dzumhur, as he looks to become the first German man to win the title since 1937.

Watch: Alexander Zverev's hilarious response to Yorkshire accent

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time on Sunday when he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 after a stunning comeback.

German second seed Zverev was 3-1 up in the decider before two rain stoppages halted his momentum.

Top seed Nadal raced away with the last five games to secure a 32nd Masters title and ensure a return to the world number one spot.

The 31-year-old also showed why he will once again be the runaway favourite when Roland Garros begins in a week where he'll be bidding for an 11th French Open title.

Zverev, 21, came to the court riding a 13-match win streak which included last weekend's trophy in Madrid. &nbsp;

However, by the end of Sunday's rain-hit final, his record against the Spaniard stood at five defeats in five meetings.

Nadal was 3-1 down at the first rain break but cut the gap on the resumption.

After a further half an hour off court during the second interruption, Nadal came back out firing, winning four straight games to wrap up the win on his second match point.

"The rain break was so important, I didn't think it would help me but it did. I was able to come back out with clear ideas, I'm very happy," said Nadal.

"To win Rome eight times is amazing, it's hard to describe. To have the chance to win here again is so great.

"As for Roland Garros, I'm going to enjoy this victory and think about Paris in a few days. &nbsp;

"For Alexander it's amazing to have won that many matches in a row," Nadal said after winning in just over two hours.

"Today this trophy is with me for a short time, but I'm sure you will get it again."

He added: "This was a very difficult match played at one of the best events of the world.

"To win again after my first (Rome title) in 2005 is amazing, the 2005 final was one of the best memories of my career."

Nadal remains the best clay-courter of the Open Era with an astonishing 408-36 record

He will next seek an 11th French Open crown to match the 11 he owns from Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

"You are an amazing champion and you proved that today," Zverev told the Spaniard at the trophy presentation.

"You are the greatest clay player of all time, we all saw that. I'm disappointed that my streak is over, but I did lose to Rafa, so maybe it's OK.

"I was so close but I lost it at the end."

With the sun shining, Nadal made light work of what looked like a disastrous start to the match as he dropped serve in the opening game.

But the king of clay quickly mounted a fightback, breaking world number three Zverev to love and going on to deny the German a winning service game in the entire set.

Nadal closed out the opener in 32 minutes on an overhead smash to leave his challenger scratching for answers after losing six straight games.

Zverev finally held serve to start the second set and answered Nadal by breaking the top seed twice to reach 5-0 as the first dark clouds of the week gathered over the Foro Italico and the conditions slowed.&nbsp;

Nadal temporarily stopped the rot as he won his fist game of the set but Zverev levelled the match at a set each a game later.

That set the stage for the rollercoaster third set decider.

&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time as he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev

Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time on Sunday when he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 after a stunning comeback. German second seed Zverev was 3-1 up in the decider before two rain stoppages halted his momentum. Top seed Nadal raced away with the last five games to secure a 32nd Masters title and ensure a return to the world number one spot. The 31-year-old also showed why he will once again be the runaway favourite when Roland Garros begins in a week where he'll be bidding for an 11th French Open title. Zverev, 21, came to the court riding a 13-match win streak which included last weekend's trophy in Madrid. However, by the end of Sunday's rain-hit final, his record against the Spaniard stood at five defeats in five meetings. Nadal was 3-1 down at the first rain break but cut the gap on the resumption. After a further half an hour off court during the second interruption, Nadal came back out firing, winning four straight games to wrap up the win on his second match point. "The rain break was so important, I didn't think it would help me but it did. I was able to come back out with clear ideas, I'm very happy," said Nadal. "To win Rome eight times is amazing, it's hard to describe. To have the chance to win here again is so great. "As for Roland Garros, I'm going to enjoy this victory and think about Paris in a few days. "For Alexander it's amazing to have won that many matches in a row," Nadal said after winning in just over two hours. "Today this trophy is with me for a short time, but I'm sure you will get it again." He added: "This was a very difficult match played at one of the best events of the world. "To win again after my first (Rome title) in 2005 is amazing, the 2005 final was one of the best memories of my career." Nadal remains the best clay-courter of the Open Era with an astonishing 408-36 record He will next seek an 11th French Open crown to match the 11 he owns from Monte Carlo and Barcelona. "You are an amazing champion and you proved that today," Zverev told the Spaniard at the trophy presentation. "You are the greatest clay player of all time, we all saw that. I'm disappointed that my streak is over, but I did lose to Rafa, so maybe it's OK. "I was so close but I lost it at the end." With the sun shining, Nadal made light work of what looked like a disastrous start to the match as he dropped serve in the opening game. But the king of clay quickly mounted a fightback, breaking world number three Zverev to love and going on to deny the German a winning service game in the entire set. Nadal closed out the opener in 32 minutes on an overhead smash to leave his challenger scratching for answers after losing six straight games. Zverev finally held serve to start the second set and answered Nadal by breaking the top seed twice to reach 5-0 as the first dark clouds of the week gathered over the Foro Italico and the conditions slowed. Nadal temporarily stopped the rot as he won his fist game of the set but Zverev levelled the match at a set each a game later. That set the stage for the rollercoaster third set decider.

Italian Open: Rafael Nadal wins eighth Rome Masters title after stunning comeback

German tennis star Alexander Zverev showcased his finest tennis of the season to brush aside Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and cement her spot in the finals of the Miami Masters here on Saturday.

The 20-year-old surged past Busta 7-6(4), 6-2 in an exhilarating semi-final clash that lasted one hour and 28 minutes on Crandon Park`s Stadium court.

Zverev, who last year became the youngest player since Serbia`s Novak Djokovic to clinch multiple ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles in one season with victories in Rome and Montrea, struck 30 winners and won a total of 78 per cent of service points while making just 21 unforced errors.

Following the win, the fifth-seeded player revealed that he tried to be more aggressive in the tie-breaker and then he made some backhand winners which helped him in finding the rhythm during the match.

"I tried to be more aggressive. I made some winners made some backhand winners finally in the match and found my rhythm.I think after that, I started to play really well, not only in the tie-break but also the second set," the ATP quoted Zverer, as saying.

The triumph will see him surge to at least number fourth spot in the ATP Rankings which will release next week.

In case Zverer went on to grab the title, he would return to his career-high ranking of number three.

With the win, Zeverer has now set up a summit showdown clash against American John Isner, who eased past Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets earlier in the day.

The 20-year-old surged past Busta 7-6(4), 6-2 in an exhilarating semi-final clash

German tennis star Alexander Zverev showcased his finest tennis of the season to brush aside Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain and cement her spot in the finals of the Miami Masters here on Saturday. The 20-year-old surged past Busta 7-6(4), 6-2 in an exhilarating semi-final clash that lasted one hour and 28 minutes on Crandon Park`s Stadium court. Zverev, who last year became the youngest player since Serbia`s Novak Djokovic to clinch multiple ATP World Tour Masters 1000 titles in one season with victories in Rome and Montrea, struck 30 winners and won a total of 78 per cent of service points while making just 21 unforced errors. Following the win, the fifth-seeded player revealed that he tried to be more aggressive in the tie-breaker and then he made some backhand winners which helped him in finding the rhythm during the match. "I tried to be more aggressive. I made some winners made some backhand winners finally in the match and found my rhythm.I think after that, I started to play really well, not only in the tie-break but also the second set," the ATP quoted Zverer, as saying. The triumph will see him surge to at least number fourth spot in the ATP Rankings which will release next week. In case Zverer went on to grab the title, he would return to his career-high ranking of number three. With the win, Zeverer has now set up a summit showdown clash against American John Isner, who eased past Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets earlier in the day.

Miami Open: Alexander Zverev rolls into final, to face Isner

Alexander Zverev rallied from a one set deficit to defeat Spain’s David Ferrer 2-6 6-2 6-4 in the third round of the Miami Open on Monday as he moved a step closer to a breakthrough title this year.

The 20-year-old German is yet to recapture the form that earned him five singles titles, including two Masters events, in 2017 but he has displayed guile in prevailing in a pair of three-set matches in Miami.

Zverev, ranked fifth in the world, recovered from a rusty opening set to break Ferrer’s service three times in the second set and twice more in the decisive stanza.

He will next face Australian Nick Kyrgios, who advanced with a 6-3 6-3 win over Fabio Fognini.

In earlier action, Fernando Verdasco dug deep to earn a 3-6 6-4 7-6(4) win over Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis to set up a fourth round clash against fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

The 34-year-old fired down 13 aces to beat Kokkinakis, who had been full of confidence after stunning world number one and defending champion Roger Federer in the second round.

Verdasco, who reached the Miami quarter-finals in 2009 and 2010, rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the third set and again from 3-0 down in the decisive tiebreaker before prevailing in a match that lasted nearly three hours.

He then got involved in a Twitter spat with Kyrgios, who had expressed his desire for the Spaniard to lose his third round match.&nbsp

Next up for Verdasco is Carreno Busta, who beat American Steve Johnson 6-4 6-4 to reach the fourth round for the first time. "It`s never easy," Carreno Busta, the 16th seed, said after his 78-minute match.&nbsp

"And this is the first time that I`ve played on this court. But I feel really comfortable and I`m playing good. When you play with confidence it`s easier."

Also reaching the fourth round were Kevin Anderson, a 4-6 6-2 6-3 winner over Karen Khachanov, and Denis Shapovalov, who upset 11th-seeded American Sam Querrey 6-4 3-6 7-5.

The 20-year-old German is yet to recapture the form that earned him five singles titles

Alexander Zverev rallied from a one set deficit to defeat Spain’s David Ferrer 2-6 6-2 6-4 in the third round of the Miami Open on Monday as he moved a step closer to a breakthrough title this year. The 20-year-old German is yet to recapture the form that earned him five singles titles, including two Masters events, in 2017 but he has displayed guile in prevailing in a pair of three-set matches in Miami. Zverev, ranked fifth in the world, recovered from a rusty opening set to break Ferrer’s service three times in the second set and twice more in the decisive stanza. He will next face Australian Nick Kyrgios, who advanced with a 6-3 6-3 win over Fabio Fognini. In earlier action, Fernando Verdasco dug deep to earn a 3-6 6-4 7-6(4) win over Australian qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis to set up a fourth round clash against fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta. The 34-year-old fired down 13 aces to beat Kokkinakis, who had been full of confidence after stunning world number one and defending champion Roger Federer in the second round. Verdasco, who reached the Miami quarter-finals in 2009 and 2010, rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the third set and again from 3-0 down in the decisive tiebreaker before prevailing in a match that lasted nearly three hours. He then got involved in a Twitter spat with Kyrgios, who had expressed his desire for the Spaniard to lose his third round match. Next up for Verdasco is Carreno Busta, who beat American Steve Johnson 6-4 6-4 to reach the fourth round for the first time. "It`s never easy," Carreno Busta, the 16th seed, said after his 78-minute match. "And this is the first time that I`ve played on this court. But I feel really comfortable and I`m playing good. When you play with confidence it`s easier." Also reaching the fourth round were Kevin Anderson, a 4-6 6-2 6-3 winner over Karen Khachanov, and Denis Shapovalov, who upset 11th-seeded American Sam Querrey 6-4 3-6 7-5.

Alexander Zverev wins another three-setter to reach Miami fourth round

Novak Djokovic revealed on Sunday that American great Andre Agassi would be his new coach, but said they did not yet have a &quot;long-term commitment&quot;.

&quot;I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris. So he`s gonna be there. We`ll see what future brings. We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us,&quot; said Djokovic, beaten 6-4, 6-3 in the Rome Masters final on Sunday by 20-year-old German Alexander Zverev.

&quot;We don`t have any long-term commitment. It`s just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit.&quot;

Djokovic returns to Paris next weekend as the defending French Open champion but looking to improve his clay court game after an inconsistent spell.

He parted with long-time coach Marian Vajda earlier this month, having also ended a three-year relationship with six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker at the end of last season, in a bid to get back to his brilliant best.

Given his performances of late, he will be hoping 47-year-old Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion can make a positive contribution.

The Serbian was outplayed by Spanish nemesis Rafael Nadal on his way to defeat in the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters last week.&nbsp;

And despite reaching the final in Rome on Sunday, Djokovic looked well below his clinical best before losing to German starlet Zverev in 1hr 21min.

Next up is his defence of his title in the French capital, and Djokovic added: &quot;He (Agassi) will not stay the whole tournament. He`s gonna stay only to a certain time, and then we`ll see after that what`s gonna happen. Obviously, Andre is someone that I have tremendous respect for as a person and as a player. He has been through everything that I`m going through. You know, on the court he understands the game amazingly well. I am enjoying every conversation that I have with him. But also, on the other hand, he`s someone that nurtures the family values, philanthropy work. He`s a very humble man, is very educated in just -- you know, he`s a person that can contribute to my life on and off the court a lot. I`m very excited to see what is ahead of us.&quot;

Agassi, unlike television pundit Becker, has been away from the sport for a considerable time having retired in 2006.

Djokovic said he managed to seduce Agassi, the 1999 French Open champion, smiling: &quot;I persuaded him.&quot;

He added: &quot;He`s someone that has been so successful in this sport, and he`s a legend of our sport. He`s made a mark in this sport forever. He`s won everything there is to win in tennis.

&quot;You know, he was a revolutionary player because he had this charisma, he had this, you know, approach to tennis and to life that was quite different from others.

&quot;That`s why he was so interesting. Yes, he has been away from the tour for last 10, 15 years, but speaking with him, he`s been definitely following up closely all the matches, the big matches, especially on the TV.&quot;

&quot;It was his call whether or not he wants to take that step and, you know, try to work with me. He has accepted it, and I`m very grateful for that. It`s exciting, of course. I`m very happy about it.&quot;

(Reuters)

The defending French Open champion parted with long-time coach Marian Vajda earlier this month

Novak Djokovic revealed on Sunday that American great Andre Agassi would be his new coach, but said they did not yet have a "long-term commitment". "I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris. So he`s gonna be there. We`ll see what future brings. We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us," said Djokovic, beaten 6-4, 6-3 in the Rome Masters final on Sunday by 20-year-old German Alexander Zverev. "We don`t have any long-term commitment. It`s just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit." Djokovic returns to Paris next weekend as the defending French Open champion but looking to improve his clay court game after an inconsistent spell. He parted with long-time coach Marian Vajda earlier this month, having also ended a three-year relationship with six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker at the end of last season, in a bid to get back to his brilliant best. Given his performances of late, he will be hoping 47-year-old Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion can make a positive contribution. The Serbian was outplayed by Spanish nemesis Rafael Nadal on his way to defeat in the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters last week. And despite reaching the final in Rome on Sunday, Djokovic looked well below his clinical best before losing to German starlet Zverev in 1hr 21min. Next up is his defence of his title in the French capital, and Djokovic added: "He (Agassi) will not stay the whole tournament. He`s gonna stay only to a certain time, and then we`ll see after that what`s gonna happen. Obviously, Andre is someone that I have tremendous respect for as a person and as a player. He has been through everything that I`m going through. You know, on the court he understands the game amazingly well. I am enjoying every conversation that I have with him. But also, on the other hand, he`s someone that nurtures the family values, philanthropy work. He`s a very humble man, is very educated in just -- you know, he`s a person that can contribute to my life on and off the court a lot. I`m very excited to see what is ahead of us." Agassi, unlike television pundit Becker, has been away from the sport for a considerable time having retired in 2006. Djokovic said he managed to seduce Agassi, the 1999 French Open champion, smiling: "I persuaded him." He added: "He`s someone that has been so successful in this sport, and he`s a legend of our sport. He`s made a mark in this sport forever. He`s won everything there is to win in tennis. "You know, he was a revolutionary player because he had this charisma, he had this, you know, approach to tennis and to life that was quite different from others. "That`s why he was so interesting. Yes, he has been away from the tour for last 10, 15 years, but speaking with him, he`s been definitely following up closely all the matches, the big matches, especially on the TV." "It was his call whether or not he wants to take that step and, you know, try to work with me. He has accepted it, and I`m very grateful for that. It`s exciting, of course. I`m very happy about it." (Reuters)

Andre Agassi to be Novak Djokovic's new coach

Germany&#39;s Alexander Zverev stunned four-time Rome champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 to win his first Masters title on Sunday, confirming his status as a French Open dangerman.

The 20-year-old Zverev claimed his maiden Masters 1000 title after becoming the youngest player in a decade to reach a final at this level and will move to 10 in the world as a result of his impressive victory.

Djokovic, who turns 30 on Monday, was the previous youngest Masters finalist, going all the way to the title in Miami as a 19-year-old in 2007.

But despite a clinical straight-set win over Austrian Dominic Thiem on Saturday, world number two Djokovic produced a flawed performance on centre court that saw him curse and swear as he struggled to find a way back into the match.

Overall, Djokovic had 27 unforced errors to 14 for Zverev, who also had 16 winners to the Serb&#39;s 11.

Zverev now has four career titles, three of which have come this year while Djokovic was denied what would have been a record 31st Masters title.

&quot;Playing against Novak, one of the best players to ever play -- it was an honour being on the court with you,&quot; said Zverev, the first player born in the 1990s to win a Masters title.

&quot;You&#39;re an amazing player. Unfortunately this week you didn&#39;t win, but I&#39;m sure as we get closer to Paris you&#39;ll be one of the favourites for the title.&quot;

Zverev broke in the first game of the final on his way to the first set and carved out the crucial first break of the second set in the third game.

Djokovic&#39;s frustrations boiled over when he was handed a warning for an audible obscenity in the eighth&nbsp;game before he was broken again in the ninth as Zverev celebrated his first Masters title.

&quot;I wish you go on to win many of these titles,&quot; Djokovic told the young German.

&quot;Yesterday I played what I thought was one of the best matches of my life on clay. Today I played something else. But that&#39;s sport.&quot;

Despite the defeat, Djokovic will start the French Open, which gets underway next Sunday, as one of the leading favourites having completed the career Grand Slam in Paris in 2016.

Djokovic names Agassi as new coach

Novak Djokovic confirmed American great Andre Agassi as his new coach Sunday, but said they did not yet have a &quot;long-term commitment&quot;.

&quot;I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris. So he&#39;s gonna be there. We&#39;ll see what future brings. We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us,&quot; said Djokovic.

&quot;We don&#39;t have any long-term commitment. It&#39;s just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit.&quot;

(AFP)

The young German beat the former world number one in straight sets

Germany's Alexander Zverev stunned four-time Rome champion Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 to win his first Masters title on Sunday, confirming his status as a French Open dangerman. The 20-year-old Zverev claimed his maiden Masters 1000 title after becoming the youngest player in a decade to reach a final at this level and will move to 10 in the world as a result of his impressive victory. Djokovic, who turns 30 on Monday, was the previous youngest Masters finalist, going all the way to the title in Miami as a 19-year-old in 2007. But despite a clinical straight-set win over Austrian Dominic Thiem on Saturday, world number two Djokovic produced a flawed performance on centre court that saw him curse and swear as he struggled to find a way back into the match. Overall, Djokovic had 27 unforced errors to 14 for Zverev, who also had 16 winners to the Serb's 11. Zverev now has four career titles, three of which have come this year while Djokovic was denied what would have been a record 31st Masters title. "Playing against Novak, one of the best players to ever play -- it was an honour being on the court with you," said Zverev, the first player born in the 1990s to win a Masters title. "You're an amazing player. Unfortunately this week you didn't win, but I'm sure as we get closer to Paris you'll be one of the favourites for the title." Zverev broke in the first game of the final on his way to the first set and carved out the crucial first break of the second set in the third game. Djokovic's frustrations boiled over when he was handed a warning for an audible obscenity in the eighth game before he was broken again in the ninth as Zverev celebrated his first Masters title. "I wish you go on to win many of these titles," Djokovic told the young German. "Yesterday I played what I thought was one of the best matches of my life on clay. Today I played something else. But that's sport." Despite the defeat, Djokovic will start the French Open, which gets underway next Sunday, as one of the leading favourites having completed the career Grand Slam in Paris in 2016. Djokovic names Agassi as new coach Novak Djokovic confirmed American great Andre Agassi as his new coach Sunday, but said they did not yet have a "long-term commitment". "I spoke to Andre the last couple weeks on the phone, and we decided to get together in Paris. So he's gonna be there. We'll see what future brings. We are both excited to work together and see where it takes us," said Djokovic. "We don't have any long-term commitment. It's just us trying to get to know each other in Paris a little bit." (AFP)

Rome Masters: Zverev stuns Djokovic to lift title

The top seed at the Citi Open in Washington, US player John Isner, produced a dominating display against Australia&#39;s James Duckworth, winning his second round match 6-3, 6-4.&nbsp;The 31 year-old Isner hit 14 aces and lost just three points on his first serve, beating his 24-year-old opponent in just over an hour.&nbsp;Isner has made it through to the final of the Citi Open three times, and will be looking to go seven consecutive seasons winning at least one ATP World Tour title. 
 
France&#39;s Gael Monfils, who made it through the Washington final in 2011, defeated Taiwan&#39;s Yen-Hsun Lu 6-3, 6-2.&nbsp;It was a strong showing from Monfils, who has barely played over the last two months due to a virus, making 10 aces and did not face a break point.&nbsp;He now goes on to face Croatia&#39;s Borna Coric. 
 
Australian third seed Bernard Tomic beat US player Donald Young 7-6(4), 6-3.&nbsp;He won the game in just under an hour and half, and now goes on to face Ivo Karlovic in the third round.&nbsp;In a match between two young up-and-coming talents, Germany&#39;s 19-year-old Alexander Zverev defeated Taylor Fritz, winning 6-4, 6-2. 
 
(Reuters)

John Isner has made it through the the Citi Open final three times, and looks to go seven consecutive seasons winning at least one ATP title

The top seed at the Citi Open in Washington, US player John Isner, produced a dominating display against Australia's James Duckworth, winning his second round match 6-3, 6-4. The 31 year-old Isner hit 14 aces and lost just three points on his first serve, beating his 24-year-old opponent in just over an hour. Isner has made it through to the final of the Citi Open three times, and will be looking to go seven consecutive seasons winning at least one ATP World Tour title. France's Gael Monfils, who made it through the Washington final in 2011, defeated Taiwan's Yen-Hsun Lu 6-3, 6-2. It was a strong showing from Monfils, who has barely played over the last two months due to a virus, making 10 aces and did not face a break point. He now goes on to face Croatia's Borna Coric. Australian third seed Bernard Tomic beat US player Donald Young 7-6(4), 6-3. He won the game in just under an hour and half, and now goes on to face Ivo Karlovic in the third round. In a match between two young up-and-coming talents, Germany's 19-year-old Alexander Zverev defeated Taylor Fritz, winning 6-4, 6-2. (Reuters)

Isner, Monfils win at ATP Washington Open

Australian top seed Samantha Stosur, defending Washington Open champion Sloane Stephens and German teen star Alexander Zverev are setting aside Zika virus fears to compete at the Rio Olympics. 
 
But Sam Querrey, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, isn&#39;t going to Brazil because it just isn&#39;t that big a deal to him. 
 
Differing views over the mosquito-carried Zika virus and the rash of recent tennis withdrawals from Rio came out Monday on day one of the ATP and WTA event, the first hardcourt stop on the path to the US Open. 
 
&quot;It`s not something you want to take lightly,&quot; Stosur said after beating Russian qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-0. 
 
&quot;Other people say there are going to be far worse things going on than Zika. It`s about being smart, following all the guidelines. I`ve had all the vaccinations. It certainly has entered my mind this time around.&quot; 
 
Several top NBA players, more than 20 men&#39;s golfers and several top tennis players have withdrawn from Rio, many but not all citing the potential for contracting Zika, which causes severe illness and has been linked to birth defects. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m kind of scared but I`m not having any kids any time soon so I should be OK,&quot; said Stephens, a 23-year-old American set to make her Olympic debut. 
 
&quot;Some people are way more sensitive and some people aren`t. It just depends on the person.&quot; 
 
Canada&#39;s seventh-ranked Milos Raonic, who lost the Wimbledon men&#39;s final to Britain&#39;s Andy Murray earlier in July, eighth-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych and Austria&#39;s ninth-rated Dominic Thiem all said no to Rio. 
 
So did 16th-ranked John Isner, the Washington men&#39;s top seed, and Querrey, who doesn&#39;t see tennis or golf as true Olympic sports. 
 
&quot;For tennis and golf, the Olympics isn&#39;t a top priority,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;We have four other Grand Slams. Those are the main focus. 
 
&quot;Some sports in the Olympics, (tennis) and golf, I feel like maybe shouldn`t be in there. It just wasn&#39;t a priority of mine at all.&quot; 
 
That&#39;s a stark contrast to 19-year-old Zverev, who at 27th in the world has become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006. 
 
And Zverev has even suffered severe illness after a bug bite. 
 
&quot;I was at the US Open and something bit me,&quot; Zverev said. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m going to be very careful because of that. I only won one match the rest of the year. My leg got a lot swollen. I was really sick with fever, lost a lot of weight, couldn`t eat. 
 
&quot;You think about it, that&#39;s quite a serious thing. You don&#39;t want to get something but the Olympics is a very big event. 
 
&quot;I`m a little bit worried about the Zika virus. A lot of people have pulled out. But it&#39;s going to be a lot of fun.&quot; 
 
Isner has a first-round bye and a round-two date with Australian qualifier James Duckworth, who ousted American Tim Smyczek 7-5, 6-1. 
 
Aussie John Millman, Rio bound as well after Olympic pullouts by Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, advanced to a second-round match with Cypriot Marcus Bagjdatis by downing American Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-0. 
 
(AFP)

Alexander Zverev as become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006

Australian top seed Samantha Stosur, defending Washington Open champion Sloane Stephens and German teen star Alexander Zverev are setting aside Zika virus fears to compete at the Rio Olympics. But Sam Querrey, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, isn't going to Brazil because it just isn't that big a deal to him. Differing views over the mosquito-carried Zika virus and the rash of recent tennis withdrawals from Rio came out Monday on day one of the ATP and WTA event, the first hardcourt stop on the path to the US Open. "It`s not something you want to take lightly," Stosur said after beating Russian qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-0. "Other people say there are going to be far worse things going on than Zika. It`s about being smart, following all the guidelines. I`ve had all the vaccinations. It certainly has entered my mind this time around." Several top NBA players, more than 20 men's golfers and several top tennis players have withdrawn from Rio, many but not all citing the potential for contracting Zika, which causes severe illness and has been linked to birth defects. "I'm kind of scared but I`m not having any kids any time soon so I should be OK," said Stephens, a 23-year-old American set to make her Olympic debut. "Some people are way more sensitive and some people aren`t. It just depends on the person." Canada's seventh-ranked Milos Raonic, who lost the Wimbledon men's final to Britain's Andy Murray earlier in July, eighth-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych and Austria's ninth-rated Dominic Thiem all said no to Rio. So did 16th-ranked John Isner, the Washington men's top seed, and Querrey, who doesn't see tennis or golf as true Olympic sports. "For tennis and golf, the Olympics isn't a top priority," he said. "We have four other Grand Slams. Those are the main focus. "Some sports in the Olympics, (tennis) and golf, I feel like maybe shouldn`t be in there. It just wasn't a priority of mine at all." That's a stark contrast to 19-year-old Zverev, who at 27th in the world has become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006. And Zverev has even suffered severe illness after a bug bite. "I was at the US Open and something bit me," Zverev said. "I'm going to be very careful because of that. I only won one match the rest of the year. My leg got a lot swollen. I was really sick with fever, lost a lot of weight, couldn`t eat. "You think about it, that's quite a serious thing. You don't want to get something but the Olympics is a very big event. "I`m a little bit worried about the Zika virus. A lot of people have pulled out. But it's going to be a lot of fun." Isner has a first-round bye and a round-two date with Australian qualifier James Duckworth, who ousted American Tim Smyczek 7-5, 6-1. Aussie John Millman, Rio bound as well after Olympic pullouts by Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, advanced to a second-round match with Cypriot Marcus Bagjdatis by downing American Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-0. (AFP)

No Zika bite fright for Rio-bound Stosur, Zverev

Florian Mayer put more than a year of injury problems behind him to secure a 6-2 5-7 6-3 victory over teenager Alexander Zverev in an all-German final at the Halle Open on Sunday. 
 
The 32-year-old&#39;s triumph made him the first German to win at home in Halle since Tommy Haas in 2012. At 192 in the world, he also became the lowest-ranked tour-level winner since then-number 240 Nicolas Mahut&#39;s victory in Den Bosch in 2013. 
 
&quot;I wasn&#39;t sure I could play tennis six months ago so I am just really happy,&quot; said Mayer, sidelined for over 12 months with a groin injury before returning to the tour in Bucharest in April. &quot;It is the best feeling I have had on a tennis court.&quot; 
 
The win on grass in the pre-Wimbledon build-up tournament gave Mayer his second title, five years on from his maiden triumph on the clay of Bucharest, will put him back into the top 100 in the ATP rankings. In 2011, he was ranked 18th. 
 
Nineteen-year-old Zverev, who knocked out 17-times grand-slam champion Roger Federer in the semis and was seeking his first title, put up a good fight, particularly in the second set of the match between the two unseeded players. 
 
After losing the first set he reeled off nine of the first 10 points in the second, breaking in the opening game and consolidating for 2-0. The teenager then saved two match points before winning the set to force a decider. 
 
But Mayer broke to go 4-2 up and his steadier game gave him the title on his fifth match point after one hour 55 minutes. 
 
(Reuters)

He beat Alexander Zverev in an all-German final on Sunday

Florian Mayer put more than a year of injury problems behind him to secure a 6-2 5-7 6-3 victory over teenager Alexander Zverev in an all-German final at the Halle Open on Sunday. The 32-year-old's triumph made him the first German to win at home in Halle since Tommy Haas in 2012. At 192 in the world, he also became the lowest-ranked tour-level winner since then-number 240 Nicolas Mahut's victory in Den Bosch in 2013. "I wasn't sure I could play tennis six months ago so I am just really happy," said Mayer, sidelined for over 12 months with a groin injury before returning to the tour in Bucharest in April. "It is the best feeling I have had on a tennis court." The win on grass in the pre-Wimbledon build-up tournament gave Mayer his second title, five years on from his maiden triumph on the clay of Bucharest, will put him back into the top 100 in the ATP rankings. In 2011, he was ranked 18th. Nineteen-year-old Zverev, who knocked out 17-times grand-slam champion Roger Federer in the semis and was seeking his first title, put up a good fight, particularly in the second set of the match between the two unseeded players. After losing the first set he reeled off nine of the first 10 points in the second, breaking in the opening game and consolidating for 2-0. The teenager then saved two match points before winning the set to force a decider. But Mayer broke to go 4-2 up and his steadier game gave him the title on his fifth match point after one hour 55 minutes. (Reuters)

Mayer puts injury struggles behind him to win Halle title

Roger Federer&#39;s bid to win a ninth Halle Open title was ended in the semi-final on Saturday by German teenager Alexander Zverev. The 19-year-old defeated the 17-time Grand Slam champion 7-6(4) 5-7 6-3. 
 
Reigning champion Federer, on the comeback trail after back problems, was looking to reach the final of his traditional pre-Wimbledon tune-up in Germany for an unprecedented 11th time, but found the big-serving 19-year-old home favourite too formidable. 
 
The Swiss world number three had not lost to a teenager for nearly 10 years since the young Andy Murray beat him in Cincinnati in 2006, which gives an indication of Zverev&#39;s considerable potential. 
 
World number 38 Zverev, who had lost to Federer in their only previous meeting in May, dropped just four points on serve in the 39-minute opening set, blasting 14 winners as he took the tiebreak 7-4. 
 
Federer earned a break of serve at 5-5 with a beautiful dropshot in the second set to restore parity but Zverev, the son of a former Russian player with the same name, responded strongly to dethrone the reigning Halle champion. 
 
Zverev will meet the winner of the other semi between Austrian Dominic Thiem and German Florian Mayer. 
(Reuters)

The Swiss maestro lost to German teenager Alexander Zverev

Roger Federer's bid to win a ninth Halle Open title was ended in the semi-final on Saturday by German teenager Alexander Zverev. The 19-year-old defeated the 17-time Grand Slam champion 7-6(4) 5-7 6-3. Reigning champion Federer, on the comeback trail after back problems, was looking to reach the final of his traditional pre-Wimbledon tune-up in Germany for an unprecedented 11th time, but found the big-serving 19-year-old home favourite too formidable. The Swiss world number three had not lost to a teenager for nearly 10 years since the young Andy Murray beat him in Cincinnati in 2006, which gives an indication of Zverev's considerable potential. World number 38 Zverev, who had lost to Federer in their only previous meeting in May, dropped just four points on serve in the 39-minute opening set, blasting 14 winners as he took the tiebreak 7-4. Federer earned a break of serve at 5-5 with a beautiful dropshot in the second set to restore parity but Zverev, the son of a former Russian player with the same name, responded strongly to dethrone the reigning Halle champion. Zverev will meet the winner of the other semi between Austrian Dominic Thiem and German Florian Mayer. (Reuters)

Federer humbled in Halle

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