"I think it was a very solid match," Alexander Zverev said after the game, bringing his record at the ATP Finals to 15-9. "You have to play your best against anyone here to have a chance; you have to be both solid and mentally strong. I feel I managed that today, I took my opportunities well, and I am pleased with this win."
Zverev, who became the first player to defeat Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer at the ATP Finals in 2019, commented on the absence of those three names from the 2024 tournament: "Throughout the year, all the attention has been on Carlos [Alcaraz] and Jannik [Sinner]. They deserve it; both of them won two Grand Slams."
"This is normal in sports; at some point, everyone retires and new players arrive. There is a great group of players with Jannik and Carlos. I think they had a better year, and even though I am world number 2, those two players are the real benchmark."
In pursuit of his goal of a third title, Zverev will face Casper Ruud, who defeated third-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, in his next match.
Facing the most effective server at the ATP Finals in the Inalpi Arena, Rublev made a fast start to the match, winning his first 13 service points. However, a lapse in the seventh game gave Zverev the first crucial break of the match.
In the second set, Zverev applied pressure on his opponent in the ninth game, maintaining his dominance in opening group matches at the tournament (6-1).
News Source: 12punto
