Alexander Zverev shocks Federer in Montreal

Alexander Zverev used his powerful serve to prevent the 36-year-old Roger Federer from getting into Sunday's final of the Montreal Masters. He hit six aces and won 80 percent of his first serve points to dominate the 68 minutes it took him to win the match.

"I tried to be as aggressive as I can," Zverev said after the match. "If Roger starts being aggressive with his forehand and backhand then it is not going to be an easy day for me." Federer had won each of the five finals he reached this year before Montreal.

Zverev won the match 6-3, 6-4.

"It's a wonderful achievement for him," Federer said of Zverev. "I wish him the best for the coming months and hope he can finish the season very strong."

Federer also suggested that Zverev was ready to take the game forward: "I'm just really happy for him, to see that he's taking everything not just to the next level, but the two next levels."

Fourth seed Zverev had arrived in Montreal after winning his fourth title of the year in Washington.

Impressive forehands and backhands backed up his serve, allowing him to take an early break for a 3-1 lead before closing out the opening set after just 30 minutes.

The second set was closer but Zverev broke in the seventh game to pull ahead 4-3 and held on for a surprise win that took 68 minutes.

"This one against Roger is something so special for me because he was always a great idol growing up for me," Zverez said during his trophy presentation. "The greatest player of all time, beating him in a final, not just any final but in the final of a Masters 1000, is amazing."

jm/aw (Reuters, AFP)