Zverev claims first win as world number one at ATP Finals

Alexander Zverev claimed his first victory as world number one as he swept aside Rafael Jodar in the opening match of the ATP Finals.Germany's Zverev produced a serving masterclass to beat the fast-rising Spaniard 6-4 6-4.The French and US Open champion dropped only 10 points on serve, landing an astonishing 84% of first serves and hitting 10 aces.The only time Zverev looked troubled was when he went two break points down as he served for the opening set - before saving them with back-to-back aces."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," the 29-year-old said."Winning always helps, but it's been a good match."Zverev lost his first match as world number one at the Paris Masters in November and said afterwards he was "annoyed" at the reaction to his rise to the top of the rankings.He has taken full advantage of a year in which Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have struggled with injuries, winning two majors and reaching the Wimbledon final.Zverev underlined his status as the world's best player by walking out on court in Turin in a custom black leather jacket with a number one printed on the back.His performance was just as befitting of his position as he put constant pressure on the Jodar serve and dominated with his own first strike.The 20-year-old Jodar is one of the brightest talents in the men's game, having started the year outside the world's top 150.Now ranked 11th, he fought hard to stay in touch with Zverev, but could find no way through his serve.Zverev broke him early in the first set with a fine backhand down the line and went up a quick break in the second.He had three further chances for a double-break lead but Jodar saved them, before Zverev served out victory.In the doubles, Britain's Henry Patten and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara began their campaign with a 6-3 5-7 10-4 win over Brazilian pair Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz.Wimbledon champions Patten and Heliovaara are the defending champions in Turin.