Alexander Zverev opened his 2026 ATP Finals campaign with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Rafael Jodar in Turin, completing the win in one hour and 27 minutes. The new world number one served with authority throughout, landing 84 per cent of his first serves and winning 86 per cent of his first-serve points, according to Sofascore. That compares with his 2026 season figures of 71.4 per cent of first serves made and 77.1 per cent of first-serve points won, as reported by Tennis Abstract, while Jodar made 63 per cent of his first serves and won 67 per cent of those points.

The match was not without pressure for Zverev. Jodar showed a dangerous backhand return and created several break points when Zverev served for the first set, but the German saved them with aces and held on. In the second set Zverev broke early and did not let his grip slip, though he felt he could have pushed for a double break. Zverev said afterwards, "I think it was a solid match. I don't think it was perfect, but I think it's a very good start to the tournament," adding that he was happy with the start but knew he still had to improve.S2S3

The result puts Zverev top of the John McEnroe Group and in a strong position to reach the semi-finals. He is guaranteed to finish the year as world number one after Carlos Alcaraz's shock loss in Shanghai. Jamie Murray, commenting on Sky Sports Tennis, praised Zverev's serving as "god-like" but said the German was not near his best from the baseline. Zverev will face the winner of Ben Shelton against Arthur Fils on Tuesday, 17 November, and Jodar will play the loser of that match, with Jodar likely needing a win to keep his tournament alive.S1S3