ATP Finals 2026: Alexander Zverev Gets Past Rafael Jodar In Opening Group Match

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Alexander Zverev began his bid for a third ATP Finals title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over debutant Rafael Jodar in Turin on Sunday. The German needed just one hour and 27 minutes to overcome the 20-year-old Spaniard in the John McEnroe Group, using his powerful serve and a break in each set to secure his opening win.

Zverev, a two-time champion at the season-ending tournament, was rarely troubled despite Jodar’s impressive rise on the ATP Tour this year. The Spaniard, who climbed from outside the top 100 into the top 10 in less than 12 months, struggled to find answers against the German’s serving.

Alexander Zverev’s Serve Makes The Difference Against Rafael Jodar

Zverev delivered 10 aces and did not concede a double fault during the match. He landed 84 per cent of his first serves and won 36 of the 42 points played behind his first delivery, giving Jodar very few opportunities to put pressure on him.

The German secured the decisive break in the opening set to move 4-3 ahead with a superb backhand down the line. Jodar had two opportunities to break back when Zverev served for the set at 5-4, but the 29-year-old saved both chances and closed out the opener.

Zverev carried that momentum into the second set, breaking early to establish a 3-1 advantage. He maintained control from there, holding his serve comfortably to complete the straight-sets victory.

Jodar managed three aces but could not convert any of his opportunities to break Zverev’s serve. The Spaniard’s first appearance at the ATP Finals ended in defeat, although his breakthrough season has earned him a place among the world’s leading players.

Zverev Begins Bid For Third ATP Finals Title

The victory gives Zverev an important start in the John McEnroe Group as he targets another title at the season-ending championships. The German previously lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2021, and is making his ninth appearance at the tournament.

He entered the 2026 edition with an 18-12 career win-loss record at the ATP Finals. Only a select group of active players, including Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, have won the competition more than once.

Zverev will next look to build on his opening result as the group-stage matches continue in Turin. In the other John McEnroe Group fixture on Sunday, world number four Ben Shelton is scheduled to face France’s Arthur Fils.

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