Zverev cruises past debutant Jodar for ATP Finals opening win

Alexander Zverev beat debutant Rafael Jodar 6-4, 6-4 in Turin to begin his ATP Finals campaign with a win. The result gives the two-time champion an early advantage in the John McEnroe group, while highlighting the challenge facing Jodar after his rapid rise this season.

Zverev, the most experienced player in the field with 31 ATP Finals matches, broke once in each set and relied on a powerful serve. Jodar, 20, climbed from outside the top 100 into the top 10 in less than a year and had two break points at 4-5 in the first set, but could not convert them. Ben Shelton and Arthur Fils were due to play the group’s other match on Sunday.