(Reuters) - Russian Daniil Medvedev pulverised Alexander Zverev 6-4 6-1 to lift his fourth title of the season at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday.
Germany's Zverev started the match with a 4-0 head-to-head record in his favour against Medvedev but had conceded that his opponent was "probably the best player in the world" at the moment.
U.S. Open runner-up Medvedev, playing in his sixth straight final, broke Zverev twice to close out the opening set in front of a packed crowd.
The 23-year-old was at his ruthless best in the second set as he raced to a 5-0 lead before Zverev finally showed some resistance to hold serve.
Yet Medvedev then served out the match with an emphatic ace to claim his second consecutive ATP Masters 1000 crown following his triumph in Cincinnati.
When asked why he does not like celebrating his victories on court, Medvedev quipped: "I said it after Cincinnati I think that everyone has been talking that they want to see something new. So I don't celebrate my wins, just get the win and it's done."
Medvedev enjoyed a near-flawless week in Shanghai - claiming the title without dropping a set all week - as he continues as incredible second half of the season.
The world number four improved his 2019 win-loss record to 59-17, including a Tour-leading 46 victories on hard courts this season.
He has already qualified for the season-ending ATP Finals in London, alongside Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Dominic Thiem and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Among the next generation of players coming through, Medvedev is widely tipped to break the stranglehold of the 'Big Three' - Djokovic, Nadal and Federer - at the top of the sport and become a regular Grand Slam contender next season.
"It is outrageous what I have done in the last few months," Medvedev said. "I have worked for it and I hope I'm gonna do much more."
With two spots in the London finals still up for grabs, Zverev is in pole position to qualify as he currently occupies seventh spot in the qualification race.
(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Toby Davis)