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Key events
First set: Zverev 3-3 Jódar* (*next server)
Zverez has already nailed seven aces and missed one first serve. Tough for Jódar to get a foothold when the serving is this good from the other end.
First set: Zverev* 2-3 Jódar (*next server)
Zverez goes up 0-15 when Jódar goes wayward with a forehand but the Spaniard battles back gamely to make 30-15. A piercing early backhand from Zverev makes it 30-30 and we have our first sniff of danger for Jódar. An unforced error from Jódar gives Zverev his first break point but a loose forehand, loopy and long, from the German is a gift to get back to deuce. Zverev gets another break chance when Jódar goes long with a cross court backhand, but a steely second serve and follow-up backhand see off the danger. Zverev can only find the net with his return on the next point and Jódar escapes with hold after wicked approach pins his opponent on the baseline.
First set: Zverev 2-2 Jódar* (*next server)
Routine hold for the world No 1.
First set: Zverev* 1-2 Jódar (*next server)
Jódar hits a lovely forehand winner to take control of the game at 15-0 and looks pretty nerveless as Zverev tries to get on the front foot. A backhand winner down the line from the 20-year-old at 40-15 seals it.
First 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 aggressive 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.
Preamble
Ok, 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.
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