There’s almost no better way to start!
Alexander Zverev (28) launches a rocket to ATP Finals in Turin placed. In the first of his three matches in the Björn Borg group, the Hamburg native beat American Ben Shelton (23) 6:3, 7:6. With a scream after match point, he showed how relieved he was after this victory.
Alexander Zverev won the ATP Finals in 2018 and 2021
After 93 minutes it was all over. In a duel between two serving giants, the world number 3 had more weapons than just his own serve against the number 6. When the score was 2:2, the favorite took the youngster’s serve to zero, and in the end again: 6:3 after less than half an hour. “The main thing going against him was ball returning and I thought I returned well in the important moments,” he said.
Zverev against Shelton, one match in particular will be remembered. On his 28th birthday on April 20, the Olympic champion won the BMW Open in Munich against Shelton. It was his only tournament win of the year.
In terms of overall record, Zverev is now 5-0 against his opponents from Sunday. Lefties are easy for him. His older brother and former professional Mischa (38) is also left-handed. He practiced with him for three hours before the game returned.
Help! In the second half the meeting was still more balanced. Twice Zverev was just two points away from winning the match, but the American bounced back. Both are presented until the bitter end, so the audience can enjoy the tie break. It can’t be beat when it comes to excitement. Shelton now led 6:3 and had three set points, all of which Zverev saved. Seconds later Zverev’s match point – 8:6! Victory!
ATP Finals Watch! Alexander Zverev marches to the Pala Alpitour in Turin
“He played extraordinary at the start of the tie break. He can always serve aces, but I remained patient and very happy with this win,” said Zverev. He wasn’t too worried about the 3:6 tie break. “If I lose the set, it doesn’t matter to me because I feel better in the game itself.”
Zverev’s other opponents in the preliminary round are world number one Jannik Sinner (24/Italy) and Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime (25). Zverev has lost against the South Tyrolean twice in the last two weeks, and he was surprisingly knocked out by the Canadian in the third round of the US Open in New York.
But in Turin, three group games are guaranteed. The top two teams then play crosswise in the semifinals. In the first match of the John McEnroe group, Carlos Alcaraz (22/Spain) defeated outside player Alex de Minaur (26/Australia) 7:6, 6:2.
