Zverev Expresses Joy After Securing First Win as World Number One

Alexander Zverev said he felt “a great deal of joy” after defeating Rafael Jodar, securing his first win as world number one in the opening match of the ATP Finals.

Zverev delivered a masterful serving performance, edging the rising Spaniard to a 6‑4, 6‑4 victory.

The French and US Open champion allowed just 10 points on his serve, posting an impressive 84% first‑serve success rate and recording 10 aces.

The only moment of difficulty came when Zverev fell two break points behind while serving for the first set, but he saved both with consecutive aces.

He had previously lost his first match as world number one at the Paris Masters in November, expressing annoyance at the reaction to his ascent to the ranking summit.

Nevertheless, he said he felt “quite light” in Turin as he aims for a third season‑ending title.

“I felt a great deal of joy being out there. In Paris I felt heavy,” the 29‑year‑old said.

“I couldn’t focus on tennis in Paris. I was quite exhausted. There was so much going on.”

“I definitely enjoyed the tennis today. I felt light and had full control over my body.”

Zverev has capitalized on a year where Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have struggled with injuries, winning two majors and reaching the Wimbledon final.

He underscored his status as the world’s top player by entering the Turin court in a custom black leather jacket bearing the number one on the back and carrying a gold racquet bag.

His performance matched his stature, as he continuously pressured Jodar’s serve and dominated with his own first‑serve.

The 20‑year‑old Jodar is one of the most promising talents in men’s tennis, having begun the year outside the world’s top 150.

Now ranked 11th, he fought valiantly to stay close to Zverev but could not break through his serve.

Zverev broke early in the first set with a fine backhand down the line and quickly secured a break in the second.

He had three additional opportunities for a double‑break lead, all of which Jodar saved, before Zverev sealed the victory with his serve.

Ben Shelton, who fell to Zverev in the US Open final, defeated France’s Arthur Fils 6‑2, 3‑6, 6‑3 in the second group match.

This marked the first win for world number four Shelton at the season‑ending event, after losing all three group matches the previous year.

Under the watch of new coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Shelton served 12 aces and saved three of four break points to outlast seventh‑ranked Fils.

In the doubles, Britain’s Henry Patten and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara opened their campaign with a 6‑3, 5‑7, 10‑4 victory over the Brazilian pair Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz.

The Wimbledon champions Patten and Heliovaara are the defending titles in Turin.

Source link