Miami Open 2018: Alexander Zverev sends classy message to Masters champion John Isner
ALEXANDER ZVEREV paid tribute to John Isner with a classy message after the Miami Open final.
John Isner becomes the oldest first-time winner of a Masters 1000 series event
Zverev was bidding to win his third Masters 1000 title at Crandon Park.
However after taking the first set, the German was outdone by Isner, who prevailed in three gripping sets - 6-7, 6-4, 6-4.
The final which had been staged at Crandon Park was given a fitting farewell, even though the level of the tennis wasn’t always as high as previous rounds.
Isner, who claimed his first Masters 1000 title win at the age of 32, will jump to number nine in the world rankings when they are published tomorrow.
Alexander Zverev missed out in the chance to gain his third Masters title
You deserve to be a Masters 100 champion. Doing this here is very special for you
And Zverev congratulated Isner after the final in a truly classy way.
“You deserve to be a Masters 100 champion,” Zverev said.
“Doing this here is very special for you.
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“We both grew up in Saddlebrook, practising together since I was 14 so I want to thank you for teaching me how to play the game and practising with me from such a young age.
"You are a big part of what I do on the court so thank you."
Zverev will now turn his attentions to the Davis Cup with Germany taking on Spain in the World Group quarter-final match on Friday.