Alexander Zverev kicked off his ATP Finals campaign in style, dispatching Andrey Rublev in a straight-sets victory that showcased his dominant form and relentless focus. The German star, who recently replaced Carlos Alcaraz as the world No. 2, delivered a clinical 6-4, 6-4 win in just 72 minutes, a performance characterized by power, precision, and a stunning nine aces. The win extended his streak to six consecutive victories and earned him his 67th tour-level win of the season, further solidifying his status as one of the hottest players on the ATP circuit.
Zverev’s success on the court was amplified by his recent triumph at the Paris Masters, and he now sets his sights on a third ATP Finals title, having previously won the prestigious tournament in 2018 and 2021. The German’s ability to dominate from the baseline and control rallies was evident against Rublev, a player known for his aggressive style. Zverev acknowledged the challenge Rublev posed, emphasizing that even a slight lapse in sharpness could have turned the match against him. “Andrey is one of the most aggressive players on tour,” Zverev said post-match. “When you are not quite there and not quite sharp, the match can go the opposite way very quickly. I was happy with my game, but I can still improve on a few things.”
Despite his composed performance, Zverev admitted there was room for improvement. “I missed a few balls from the baseline and I feel I wasn’t as sharp movement-wise as I would like to,” he reflected. “But I still beat a top-10 player 4 and 4, so that’s not too bad.” His comments highlight a champion’s mentality—never satisfied, always striving for perfection.
While Zverev’s match performance spoke volumes, it was his post-match interview that truly captured attention. Speaking with Sky Sports Tennis presenter and former British No. 1 Laura Robson, Zverev displayed a different side of himself—playful, nervous, and charmingly awkward. The exchange began with banter, as Robson teased him for claiming he hadn’t even broken a sweat during his victory. Zverev, quick on his feet, fired back, joking about their pre-interview interactions. “Let’s be clear… I gave you a handshake and complained about that as it was too formal,” he quipped. “Then I try and give you two kisses and you say get away from me, you are too sweaty!”
The playful exchange highlighted Zverev’s lighter side, a contrast to the intense competitor fans see on court. At one point, the German looked visibly flustered, admitting that Robson made him nervous during interviews. “You make me nervous doing these interviews,” he said, smiling. “I start mumbling and don’t know what to say anymore. This is the most awkward interview I’ve had this year, for sure.” The exchange delighted both the live audience and viewers at home, with fellow Sky Sports Tennis host Tim Henman calling it “brilliant.”
As the interview progressed, Zverev turned his focus back to tennis, discussing the importance of maintaining high standards as he progresses through the ATP Finals. “I’m looking forward to the next few matches and hopefully I can improve on a few more things because I don’t think this match was perfect, to be honest,” he explained. Zverev’s candid assessment underscores his drive for excellence and refusal to rest on past laurels, even after a convincing win over a top-tier rival.
Former British tennis star Tim Henman was impressed by Zverev’s performance, noting how effectively he controlled the match. “First class performance,” Henman said. “You’re coming in against one of the top eight players in the world and he was so efficient. All aspects of Zverev’s game were firing on all cylinders. His first serve was absolutely massive, the consistency was there, and he soaked up Rublev’s biggest shots from the back of the court.”
Henman further praised Zverev’s defensive prowess, noting his ability to drop back and use his wingspan to make it nearly impossible for opponents to hit through him. “He did drop back seven, eight feet behind the baseline and then it’s virtually impossible to hit through him because he moves well and he’s got such a huge wingspan,” Henman explained. “I thought Zverev was very impressive and it lays down an early marker.”
Zverev’s strong start in Turin, combined with his recent successes, positions him as a serious contender for the title. His confidence, skill, and ability to perform under pressure make him a formidable opponent for anyone in the draw. As he prepares for the next rounds, Zverev remains focused on fine-tuning his game and building on the momentum of this standout season.
In the end, Zverev’s day in Turin was not just about tennis but also about showing his personality. Whether engaging with fans or facing down elite competition, Zverev continues to captivate on and off the court—a true star of the ATP Tour.