Strong serve helps Zverev beat Jódar in ATP Finals opener
World number one Alexander Zverev began the WTA Finals with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over debutant Rafael Jódar in Turin on Sunday. German Zverev, who won this title in 2018 and 2021, is coming off his best year having taken his maiden Grand Slam titles in Paris and New York.
World number one Alexander Zverev kicked off the season's ATP Finals with a dominant 6-4, 6-4 win over debutant Rafael Jódar in Turin on Sunday. The German star, who won this title in 2018 and 2021, is coming off his best year to date, clinching his maiden Grand Slam titles in Paris and New York. Zverev, the top seed, opened proceedings by securing a comfortable victory and immediately took control of the John McEnroe group with an impressive display of aces and a 86% first serve point win rate.
Spaniard Jódar, 20, made his debut at the season-ending championship after Jannik Sinner's injury withdrawal, but his rapid rise was halted by Zverev's resilience. The young Spaniard secured a break point in the opening set, only for Zverev to respond with a powerful passing shot, clinching the set 4-3. In the second set, Zverev built on Jódar's frustration, converting his second break point after a net mishap from the Spaniard.
Later on Sunday, US third seed Ben Shelton will face French sixth seed Arthur Fils in the second group match. Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz of Spain will take on Frances Tiafoe of the US in the Ivan Lendl group on Monday, while second seed Daniel Medvedev will compete against Flavio Cobolli.
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