Zverev’s almost perfect debut in Turin | Nitto ATP Finals

Alexander Zverev had one of his most impressive performances in his career at the Nitto ATP Finals. The German has signed his second fastest victory in this competition by beating Andrey Rublev this Monday with sets of 6-4, 6-4.

He needed just one hour and 12 minutes to win at the start of his seventh participation in the competition. Only one match was won more expeditiously at the Nitto ATP Finals. It was against Hubert Hurkacz in the 2021 edition, and after one hour and two minutes of play.

“I think it was a very solid match on my part,” Zverev said. “Against anyone here, you have to play your best to have a chance, you have to be solid [y] mentally strong. I feel like I did that today and I took advantage of my opportunities pretty well and I’m obviously happy with this win.”

The No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings didn’t even face breakout opportunities this Monday. In addition, he took advantage of the two break points he generated with the return, at 3-3 in the first set, and at 4-4 in the second.

Their service, especially, was devastating. She hit nine aces (against no double faults) and won 40 out of 50 points on her serve. And in average speed it was vastly superior to its rival: 220km/h versus 197km/h and 175km/h versus 145km/h.

This result leaves his Lexus ATP HeadtoHead with Rublev at 7-3, whom he did not face just twelve months ago in this event. In 2023 they also won the victory and with the same score as this Monday.

Zverev, who is seeking his fourth advance to the semifinals of the tournament, now has 15 victories in this event that he has won twice (2018 and 2021), and will seek to add one more on Wednesday when he faces Casper Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz’s executioner in the afternoon on Monday.

Rublev, for his part, will try to recover by facing Alcaraz with the aim of continuing in the race towards his second semifinals in Turin.