Two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev completed John Newcombe Group’s inaugural day of action at the season-ending event with an outstanding triumph over eighth seed Andrey Rublev on Monday night at the Inalpi Arena in Turin.
Second seed Alexander Zverev earns a statement 6-4, 6-4 win over No. 8 Andrey Rublev to launch his campaign at the 2024 edition of the Nitto ATP Finals in style on Italian soil.
After his inaugural contest, he stressed: “I thought it was a very solid match from my end. Against anyone here, you have to play your best to have a chance; you have to be solid [and] mentally strong. I feel like I did that today. I used my chances quite well, and I’m obviously happy with this win.”
The German player, bidding to claim the title for the third time at the year-end championships, also recorded his No. 67 win this season, tied with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Rublev made an explosive start to the first set, accelerating with his powerful forehand to impose an intense rhythm.
Throughout his first three service games, the eight seed did not drop a single point behind his serve, and within 18 minutes into the opener, the scoreboard, tied at 3-3, reflected the small margins separating both players.
Zverev held his ground, forcing his opponent to commit errors (6) that eventually would cost his adversary too much.
The 27-year-old, making his seventh appearance at the Finals, landed in Turin with the Paris Masters crown under his belt.
He would take control of the set in the seventh game when he converted the break to come out on top 4-3.
Moving his adversary from side to side of the court, Zverev served for the set, closing out 6-4 in 34 minutes.
The second set featured extended baseline exchanges for the delight of the fans packing the Inalpi Arena, a battle of titans worth of the prestigious occasion.
Hitting the ball cleanly off both wings, Zverev delivered high-level tennis, finding momentum to neutralize Rublev at the net with brilliance, which helped him take a clinical break in the ninth game, following to serve for the match.
The two-time champion sealed the second set 6-4 in 37 minutes and the match with a solid performance.
The Hamburg native, who did not face a break point all match, fired 22 winners against nine unforced errors compared to his rival 10 and 10, respectively.
Moreover, he won 80 percent of the points on his first serve, converting 2 of 2 break points opportunities.
The second day of action at the Nitto ATP Finals featured the opening singles and doubles match in the John Newcombe Group.
Earlier, sixth seed Casper Ruud shocked world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz for the first time in five meetings, surging past the Spaniard with a 6-1, 7-5 triumph, his 6th top-10 win of the year.
The 21-year-old tennis display on Tuesday was far from business as usual, visibly lacking energy.
Addressing the subject, the Roland-Garros winner outlined: “I don’t like talking about things like this because it sounds like an excuse, and I don’t want to take anything away from what Casper did to win the match.”
“Before coming here, I was unwell at home. When I got to Turin, practice was going well. I could handle long rallies, competing, and playing. And I hoped things would get better as the days went by.
“I don’t know if it was because of the nerves of the first match, but I didn’t feel completely well. My stomach limited my game a lot and made me feel uncomfortable. I could’ve done better.”
Next, Alcaraz will meet Rublev, while Ruud will take on Zverev.
