Zverev sweeps to perfect 2-0 as third Finals title beckons

Two-time champion Alexander Zverev swept past Casper Ruud 7-6 (3), 6-3 on Wednesday to take a perfect 2-0 record into his final group match at the ATP Finals.

The world No. 2 German who claimed the year-end title in 2018 and 2021, won 12 of the final 14 points as he handed the Norwegian his first loss of the group stage.

Zverev stands in pole position for a place in the Saturday finals in Turin from his group, with all to be decided on Friday when he plays Carlos Alcaraz while Ruud takes on Andrey Rublev.

Zverev spent 85 minutes in earning victory, sending over 11 aces among his 28 winners while keeping his unforced error total to 16.

“I’m doing Ok, it’s difficult conditions,” he said of the eight-man season wrapup.

“We’re all happy to be here and are trying to play our best tennis. If I keep going like this, let’s see what can happen at the weekend.”

Zverev earned the first set from a 5-1 tiebreaker lead and caught Ruud on the hop in the eighth game of the second as he broke for a 5-3 lead.

Moments later, he served out the win on the first of three match points.

“It was a good match, I played quite well,’ he said. “I’m happy with the win. My level was maybe even better than the first match (Monday over Rublev).

“I’m looking to Alcaraz on Friday and then hopefully, the weekend.”

 Zverev nudged ahead of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner with his 68th match win of the season as he duels with the Italian, who plays on Thursday hoping to add to his total of 67.

Zverev has won his last seven matches, a run which includes his title this month at the Paris Bercy Masters.

Main photo:- Sasha Zverev serves on his way to victory in Turin – by ISF Ltd