Alexander Zverev claimed his first victory as world primary as he swept apart Rafael Jodar within the opening match of the ATP Finals.
Germany’s Zverev produced a serving masterclass to beat the fast-rising Spaniard 6-4 6-4.
The French and US Open champion dropped solely 10 factors on serve, touchdown an astonishing 84% of first serves and hitting 10 aces.
The one time Zverev seemed troubled was when he went two break factors down as he served for the opening set – earlier than saving them with back-to-back aces.
“I nonetheless suppose I’ve lots of issues to enhance. It was not an ideal match however to begin the event, I’m very blissful,” the 29-year-old stated.
“Profitable all the time helps, however it’s been a very good match.”
Zverev misplaced his first match as world primary on the Paris Masters in November and stated afterwards he was “irritated” on the response to his rise to the highest of the rankings.
He has taken full benefit of a yr wherein Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have struggled with accidents, profitable two majors and reaching the Wimbledon closing.
Zverev underlined his standing because the world’s greatest participant by strolling out on court docket in Turin in a customized black leather-based jacket with a primary printed on the again.
His efficiency was simply as befitting of his place as he put fixed strain on the Jodar serve and dominated along with his personal first strike.
The 20-year-old Jodar is likely one of the brightest abilities within the males’s sport, having began the yr outdoors the world’s prime 150.
Now ranked eleventh, he fought exhausting to remain in contact with Zverev, however may discover no means by his serve.
Zverev broke him early within the first set with a positive backhand down the road and went up a fast break within the second.
He had three additional possibilities for a double-break lead however Jodar saved them, earlier than Zverev served out victory.
Within the doubles, Britain’s Henry Patten and Finnish companion Harri Heliovaara started their marketing campaign with a 6-3 5-7 10-4 win over Brazilian pair Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz.
Wimbledon champions Patten and Heliovaara are the defending champions in Turin.
