The top-ranked German relied on his tournament experience in Turin to neutralize an emerging Spanish challenger in the John McEnroe group. Holding off pressure at crucial moments, he secured an early group-stage advantage in pursuit of a third season-ending championship. During the opening frame, he broke for a 4-3 lead and saved two break points while serving at 5-4 to shut down the Spaniard's momentum. An early break in the second set allowed him to comfortably protect his lead to the finish.
Key points
Alexander Zverev stands as the most experienced player competing in the season-ending eig…: Alexander Zverev stands as the most experienced player competing in the season-ending eight-man field.
Rafael Jodar failed to convert two critical break point opportunities late in the first s…: Rafael Jodar failed to convert two critical break point opportunities late in the first set.
Group action continues Sunday with world number four Ben Shelton facing France's Arthur F…: Group action continues Sunday with world number four Ben Shelton facing France's Arthur Fils.
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TURIN, Nov 15 : World number one Alexander Zverev eased past debutant Rafael Jodar in straight sets on Sunday to score an opening group win at the start of the ATP Finals in Turin.
The German, a two-time champion at the season-ending tournament of the top eight players, bagged a break in each set to clinch a 6-4 6-4 victory over the 20-year-old Spaniard, who has played a sensational first season on tour and has risen from the mid-100s to the top 10 in less than 12 months.
Jodar, however, could do little to tame Zverev's booming serve and the most experienced ATP Finals player in the field, playing his 31st match, earned a break to go 4-3 up with a superb backhand down the line.
The Spaniard had two rare break chances at 5-4 behind but could not convert either. Instead Zverev bagged the set in the next game and grabbed a break early in the second set to open up a 3-1 lead.
He was never troubled again as he comfortably held serve for his first win in…
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