Madrid Open: Zverev defeats Thiem for third Masters title

World number three Alexander Zverev won his third Masters title by beating Dominic Thiem in the final of the Madrid Open on Sunday. The 21-year-old German, who did not drop a set in the tournament, broke early in both sets to win 6-4 6-4. Austrian world number seven Thiem, who reached the final last year, had beaten Rafa Nadal on his way to the decider. But Zverev comfortably controlled both sets with a greater range of shots as Thiem struggled to exert himself. The German, who did not face a break point all tournament, looked confident as he sealed victory with the first of his two Championship points to continue his preparation for the French Open, which starts on 27 May. He becomes only the fifth active player to win at least three Masters 1000 titles - joining Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray - and will now go on to try to defend his Rome title this week.