Alexander Zverev kissed the Ion Tiriac Trophy for the second time today after a sensational battle with Matteo Berrettini in a scintillating Mutua Madrid Open final. The German was full of praise for his opponent on court after the match.

“I would like to congratulate Matteo. Amazing week. You deserve to win this title as much as I did. I know this moment is not the greatest, believe me, I’ve been there. I felt hundred times worse after the US Open final but when you win a title like this you will feel better and it feels much more special. I’m sure you will and next week, in Rome, your hometown, you will be one of the favourites and I will be cheering for you”, said the German during the trophy presentation.

Trophy presentation!

Follow the #MMOPEN ? ceremony live from the Manolo Santana Stadium ? https://t.co/VIuHPvdjV5

— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) May 9, 2021

Afterwards, in the press conference room, the double #MMOPEN champion reflected on his win and the best moments of an unforgettable week:

The final, the most difficult match. “I think it was a good week for me. Matteo today was extremely difficult for me in a way that I didn’t play anybody who serves 235, dominates the ball like he does. Against Rafa and Dominic, the matches were different. I mean, both obviously great players on clay, maybe the two best players right now. But against Matteo was extremely difficult just getting the ball back in play, getting the ball deep enough to have the chance to win the point. Coming back from a set down to win the title here, I’m extremely happy with that”.

The #MMOPEN, a very important title for him. “At the end of the day I won a Masters. There’s really very little in terms of bigger than this one right here. I’m happy. I’m happy with this achievement”.