Germany’s Alexander Zverev registered a shock win over world number two Novak Djokovic in today's Rome Masters final ©Getty Images

Germany's Alexander Zverev registered a shock win over world number two Novak Djokovic in today's Rome Masters final, securing his maiden ATP World Tour Masters 1000 crown.

The 20-year-old outplayed his Serbian opponent, a 30-time Masters 1000 winner, on his way to claiming a 6-4, 6-3 victory in one hour and 21 minutes at the Foro Italico.

Zverev becomes the youngest Masters 1000 winner since a 19-year-old Djokovic won the Miami Open in 2007.

He will also rise from number 17 to number 10 in the ATP rankings, which will be updated tomorrow.

The contest was ended with Zverev's third break of the final as Djokovic double faulted to give the German match point before lifting a backhand long.

"It's such an honour being on the court against one of the best ever players," Zverev said after his triumph.

"If I have half the career Novak has had, I will be just fine."

Twelve-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, who revealed after the match that former world number one Andre Agassi of the United States will be his new coach, was complimentary of Zverev. 

"You are definitely on a great path," he said.

"You played fantastic and deserve it."

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina clinched the women's title today ©Getty Images
Ukraine's Elina Svitolina clinched the women's title today ©Getty Images

There was also a surprise in the women’s final as eighth seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine beat world number four Simona Halep of Romania in three sets to secure a WTA Tour-leading fourth title of the season.

Success earns Svitolina a return to the world's top 10 and comes after back-to-back titles at the Taiwan Open and Dubai Tennis Championships in February, and victory at last month's Istanbul Cup.

Halep, who completed the defence of her Madrid Open title last weekend, rolled her ankle when leading 5-2 in the first set.

The 25-year-old managed to take it 6-4, but lost the second set 7-5 with her ankle strapped.

Svitolina dominated the deciding set, winning it 6-1 to seal victory after two hours and seven minutes on court.  

"I think I can be proud of myself for handling the pressure, because I played some tough matches here," the Ukrainian said.

"Today I needed to show that I am there and I want to win and I'm ready to do it."

The Rome Masters is a key preparation event for the French Open, the clay court Grand Slam, which is due to begin on May 28 at Roland Garros in Paris.