Reuters, Japan
World number five Alexander Zverev won the biggest title of his career when he crushed Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-1 on Sunday to win the men's singles gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 24-year-old, who has yet to win a Grand Slam title, was in stunning form as he demolished Khachanov in 79 minutes to become the first German man to win a singles Olympic gold.
Zverev was flawless throughout and grabbed an early break to cruise to a 3-1 lead in the first set.
There were no signs of any nerves as he broke Khachanov again and bagged the set when his opponent sent an easy volley wide on the German's second set point.
Not even the loud protests of a handful of anti-Olympic demonstrators, booming into Centre Court through a bull horn, could distract Zverev as he broke the hapless Russian again in the second game of the second set.
Long criticised for his perceived mental weakness in big matches, including losing to Dominic Thiem in last year's U.S. Open final when he surrendered a two-set lead, Zverev proved the doubters wrong this time.
Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele steadied after a late wobble to clinch gold for the United States at the Olympic golf on Sunday with a one-stroke victory as South Africa-born Rory Sabbatini claimed an unlikely silver for adopted nation Slovakia.
Taiwan's CT Pan claimed the bronze, eliminating American Collin Morikawa on the fourth extra hole of a playoff on a scorching day at Kasumigaseki Country Club.
"Man, it feels good," said Schauffele, who claimed the title with a final round 67 for an 18-under total of 266.
"I kind of wanted this one more than any other.
"Everyone is back home watching. I was feeling the love from San Diego and Las Vegas this whole time."
