Alexander Zverev wins first match as world number one at ATP Finals

Alexander Zverev began his ATP Finals campaign with a straight-sets win over Rafael Jodar in Turin, marking his first victory as the world number one. The 29-year-old German defeated the 20-year-old Spaniard 6-4, 6-4.

Zverev demonstrated dominance on his serve, landing 84% of his first serves and recording 10 aces while losing only 10 points on serve throughout the encounter. Although he faced two break points while serving for the opening set, he successfully defended them with consecutive aces.

The world number one, who entered the court wearing a custom black leather jacket featuring a number one on the back, noted his room for development. "I still think I have a lot of things to improve. It was not a perfect match but to start the tournament, I am very happy," Zverev said. He added: "Winning always helps, but it's been a good match."

Zverev had previously lost his opening match as the world's top-ranked player at the Paris Masters in November. His current ranking follows a season in which he secured two major titles and reached the Wimbledon final, benefiting from injuries sustained by Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Rafael Jodar, who began the year ranked outside the top 150 and now sits at 11th, struggled to return Zverev's serve. Zverev claimed an early break in the first set with a backhand down the line and repeated the feat early in the second set.

In the doubles competition, British player Henry Patten and his partner from Finland, Harri Heliovaara, started their tournament with a 6-3, 5-7, 10-4 victory. They defeated the Brazilian duo of Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz.