Washington, Aug 6 : Top seed Alexander Zverev of Germany has defeated 19-year-old Alex de Minaur from Australia 6-2, 6-4 to win the Washington Open.

This was Zverev's third tour-level trophy of the season and ninth overall.

Zverev, 21, also became the first man in nearly a decade to win consecutive titles at the hard-court tuneup tournament for the upcoming US Open, Xinhua news agency reported.

Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina won the Washington Open in 2008 and 2009. "It's been a great ride, and hopefully many more to come," Zverev said on Sunday.

"It's been a really special week for me. It's been a great first time here, and I can't wait to come back," added Zverev, who hit six aces and never faced a break point en route to the title.

De Minaur, who began the season at number 208 in the ATP rankings, will crack the top 50 for the first time on Monday. The teenager will soar from number 72 to number 45.

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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.

The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.

"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.

The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.

He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.