Alexander Zverev acknowledges effect of Ivan Lendl as coach

Alexander Zverev says coach Ivan Lendl's experience helped him in winning the ATP Finals in London.

Zverev earned back-to-back wins against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the semifinals and finals.

Though noting that he was taught and is still coached by his father, the 21-year-old acknowledged that Lendl's advice had been useful, particularly in the semifinals and finals.

"He talked about golf to me before the match. No, I'm kidding," Zverev joked following his victory. "He obviously analyzed the match that I played with [Djokovic] a few days ago, told me a few things I had to do different. I was more aggressive today.

"Obviously Ivan, the experience he has on and off the court, is amazing. That helped me, as well, to kind of play the two matches that I played back-to-back now."

Zverev is one of three players aged 21 or under who have handed Djokovic all his defeats since the start of the hardcourt season. The others are Stefanos Tsitsipas, in Canada, and Karen Khachanov, in Paris.

"Obviously us young guys, we're coming through," he said.

Zverev came into the tournament ranked No. 5, and moved up a spot with the victory.