Key events18m agoPreambleFirst set: Zverev 1-1 Jódar* (*next server)Zverev’s serve is on and he rattles through to level.First set: Zverev* 0-1 Jódar (*next server)Zverev is aggresive from the off, coming into the net on the very first point but his approach isn’t the best and Jódar finds the pass. After getting out to 30-0 lead, Jódar dumps a forehand into the net and suddenly we’re at 30-30.
A couple of sloppy errors from Zverev to release the pressure and the Spaniard has the first game on the board.First set: Jódar wins the toss and will serve first.PreambleOk, let’s get into it. Alexander Zverev gets the first chance to state his credentials at this year’s ATP Finals.
Zverev has thrived in the absence of the top men’s players, winning the French and US Opens but with Carlos Alcaraz back and lurking on the side of the draw in Turin, we will see how the 29-year-old handles the gaze of coming into this glitzy event with the added weight of being world No 1.On the other side of the court we Rafael Jódar, a player who has rapidly ascended the rankings. The 287 days between his ATP Tour-level debut and Jódar reaching the top 10, a run which featured his first title in Morocco, obliterated the previous record held by Gustavo Kuerten.
Zverev is favourite but Jódar is coming. Play begins shortly.