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Zverev, the 2018 and 2021 champion, stood firm in the face of a fast start from Rublev to clinch his Tour-leading 67th win of 2024 in just 72 minutes. 

“I thought it was a very solid match from my end,” said Zverev, who improved to 15-9 at the ATP Finals. “Against anyone here, you have to play your best to have a chance, you have to be solid [and] mentally strong. I feel like I did that today, I felt like I used my chances quite well and I'm obviously happy with this win.”

Zverev became the first player to beat Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, at the ATP Finals in 2019. The 2024 edition marks the first time since 2001 that none of those players are competing at the season finale.

“I think the attention went to Carlos [Alcaraz] and Jannik [Sinner] all year long,” Zverev said when asked about the scenario. “They deserve it, they won two Grand Slams each.

“It’s normal in sports, at some point everybody retires, new players come along. We have a great group of guys leading with Jannik and Carlos. I think they had a better year, even though I’m No. 2 in the world. The benchmark is those two guys.”

Zverev will continue his hat-trick hunt against Casper Ruud, who earlier upset third seed Carlos Alcaraz in the John Newcombe Group.

Faced with the most prolific server in the ATP Finals field, it was Rublev who got off to a blistering start inside Inalpi Arena. The 27 year-old won his first 13 points on serves, but a lapse in the seventh game gifted Zverev the crucial first break of the match.

Zverev bided his time in the second set before pouncing in the ninth game to maintain his dominant record in opening round-robin matches at the event (6-1).