Carlos Alcaraz’s loss to Casper Ruud in the opening match of the ‘John Newcombe group’ at the ATP Finals set the stage for Alexander Zverev’s much-anticipated debut. All eyes were on the German star, a two-time ATP Finals champion, as he stepped onto the court to face Andrey Rublev. Zverev, who clinched titles in London in 2018 and Turin in 2021, delivered a commanding performance, defeating Rublev in straight sets and establishing himself as a formidable contender for this year’s trophy.
Zverev’s win was a testament to his precision, power, and consistency. The world No. 2 adapted impressively to the slower court surface, utilizing his powerful serve to keep Rublev on the back foot throughout the match. Rublev, known for his aggressive play, was unable to find a way past Zverev’s steady baseline game and strong court coverage. With Carlos Alcaraz battling the flu and cutting short his practice session earlier in the day, Zverev’s victory further solidified his position as one of the favorites to win the tournament, second only to Jannik Sinner.
Zverev is scheduled to face Casper Ruud in his next match on Wednesday, where he aims to secure a spot in the semifinals. For the German star, ending 2024 on a high note is crucial, not only for his confidence but also for building momentum heading into the next season. In a strategic move, Zverev opted out of this year’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, choosing instead to focus on recovery and preparation for the 2025 season. His campaign will kick off at the United Cup, followed by a determined effort to make a deep run at the Australian Open.
Reflecting on his performance against Rublev, Zverev remained cautiously optimistic. “Andrey is one of the tour’s most aggressive players. If you’re not at your best, he can turn things around quickly,” Zverev shared in an interview with Sky Sports Tennis. “I was pleased with my performance, but I know there’s room for improvement. I missed more shots from the baseline than I’d like, and my movement wasn’t as sharp as it was in Paris. Still, it’s a strong start, beating a top 10 player in straight sets, so there’s not too much to complain about.”
Zverev’s road to recovery has not been easy. Diagnosed with pneumonia following the Laver Cup in Berlin, he had to miss the ATP 500 event in Beijing and struggled to find top form in Shanghai and Vienna. Nevertheless, his perseverance paid off at the Rolex Paris Masters, where he captured his seventh Masters 1000 title on a surface well-suited to his game. This victory underscored Zverev’s ability to adapt and evolve, as he continues to work on refining his game and incorporating new strategies to surprise his opponents. With the Australian Open on the horizon, Zverev is determined to make 2025 the year he finally secures his first Grand Slam title.
Former ATP star Tim Henman, now a respected tennis analyst, praised Zverev’s performance against Rublev. “It was a first-class performance,” Henman remarked. “To come in and dominate one of the top eight players in the world with such efficiency speaks volumes. Zverev’s serve was a major weapon, and his consistency was remarkable. He handled Rublev’s powerful shots from the back of the court with ease, using his exceptional movement and long reach to great effect. This was a statement performance that sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.”
Despite holding the world No. 2 ranking, Zverev enters the ATP Finals with less external pressure than some of his peers. Much of the spotlight has been on Alcaraz and Sinner, the two young stars who have dominated the Grand Slam circuit this year. Their rivalry, highlighted by each winning two majors in 2024, has captivated tennis fans and added new dimensions to the men’s tour. For Zverev, this dynamic presents an opportunity to quietly assert himself as a top contender. “All the attention has been on Carlos and Jannik this year, and rightly so,” Zverev noted during a press conference. “They’ve earned it with their performances. It’s natural for new stars to emerge, and they’re leading the pack. Even though I’m ranked No. 2, they’ve set the benchmark.”
Alcaraz’s unexpected loss to Ruud has injected further unpredictability into the ATP Finals. His health remains a concern, and there is speculation that he may withdraw if his condition does not improve. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner made an impressive start by defeating Alex de Minaur and is now preparing to face Taylor Fritz. The stage is set for an intense and unpredictable conclusion to the 2024 ATP season, with Zverev determined to make his mark and cap off the year with another prestigious title.