Zverev admits Sinner is 'best in the world by far' after crushing Madrid Open defeat

The World No 1 from Italy produced a dominant performance to secure a 6-1, 6-2 victory and claim his first Madrid title, wrapping up the match in under an hour as Zverev struggled to find any foothold.

Sinner's win further underlines his position at the top of the men's game and moves him closer to completing a full set of ATP Masters 1000 titles, with only the Rome event now standing between him and joining Novak Djokovic in that exclusive club.

Zverev, meanwhile, acknowledged the gulf between the players and apologised to fans for a final that failed to develop into a contest.

"First of all super sorry for the final. It was not my best day," said Zverev in his on court interview.

"Then, of course, congratulations to Jannik. Best player in the world by far at the moment.

"Really, no chance for most of the people, for us at the moment against you. Also, to your team, you guys are doing an incredible job every single week. Maybe at the French Open, have a break."

This latest win for Sinner ensured he became the first man in tennis history to win five straight ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, with his stunning run starting in Paris at the back end of 2025.

He has backed that up by winning at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo and now Madrid, with Sinner suggesting his preparation was a key to his latest success.

"I think you win matches before matches," Sinner told Sky Sports. "I try to put the right preparations in and I'm very careful about what I put in my body.

"When I'm serving well in fast conditions like this, it helps. Starting with a break up right away against Sashca is a good start.

"He didn't play his best and was a bit tired, but I played well."

READ MORE: Jannik Sinner crushes Alexander Zverev to make history with fifth straight title at Madrid Open