Zverev wins on debut
> Federer defeats Sock in opening London ATP Finals
ROGER FEDERER made a winning start to the ATP Finals yesterday, beating Jack Sock 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) to set the pace at the eight-man season finale.
German young gun Alexander Zverev also joined the winners’ list, making a perfect debut at the tournament coming from 3-1 down in the final set to defeat Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 64.
Zverev, one of four first-time qualifiers in London, stands a chance of finishing third in the world behind Rafael Nadal and Federer if successful at the tournament.
The 20-year-old has won five titles this season, including Masters 1000s at Rome and Montreal and is bidding to become the youngest to finish in the top 3 since Novak Djokovic in 2007.
Zverev will now face Federer for the third time this season and goes into the today’s group match level at 1-1 with the 19time grand slam champion in 2017.
Against Cilic, whom he beat for the fourth time in five matches, Zverev battled to clinch the win after losing the second set to the resurgent Croatian.
The German landed an untouchable lob winner in the concluding set to break back for 3-all and wrapped up victory four games later on a volley winner.
“For most of the second and third sets, he was the better player,” Zverev said. “I was happy to fight back somehow to win. “We both played well today, I’m pleased to get my first win here.
“Walking onto the court was like nothing else, with the light show and the announcer giving your name, it means you have been a top player for the entire season.
“It’s an amazing feeling and I hope to be back here many more times.”
The top two finishers from each of the two groups go into the Saturday semifinals at the O2 Arena in east London.
Before Zverev’s win, Federer eased to his fourth career victory over American Jack Sock in 91 minutes in front of a full house in the opening match of the event.
“It was a bit tricky in the second set,” Federer said.
“He helped me out with some doublefaults (three) and errors.
“I missed the event in 2016 (healing a knee problem) and I’m glad to be back,” said the six-time season final winner. Federer was out-aced 11 to five by Sock, the last man into the field after a title last weekend in Paris.
“There’s not a whole lot to hang my head about,” Sock said. “Obviously, I’d rather start out with a win.
“It was a couple of points, I had some looks to get back on serve in the first. He came up with some good shots in the tiebreaker. Other than that, it was a close match.”
The Swiss wrapped up the opening set in 36 minutes, but the challenger made life tougher in the second, saving five break points in the set before Federer claimed his 50th season victory in the tiebreaker.
“I’m happy to be back with good energy,” Federer said. “Today was the best I felt since the Del Potro final (Basel).
“My plan for rest and recovery after Basel paid dividends. I was able to turn it up in the last few days.
“I’m into the tournament now, there’s no turning back. It’s full steam ahead now.” – dpa