ATP Finals 2026: World No. 1 Zverev cruises past debutant Jodar in opening match

Germany's Alexander Zverev (right) bagged a break in each set which proved enough to defeat Spain's Rafael Jodar (left) in their group-stage opener at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, on Sunday. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

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.

Efficient start for the top seed 🔝 Zverev defeats Jodar 6-4 6-4 for an opening #NittoATPFinals W https://t.co/t3wlYpHVul

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 15, 2026

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 the John McEnroe group.

World number four Ben Shelton takes ‌on France’s Arthur Fils in the other match of the group ​on Sunday.