ATP Finals: Alexander Zverev makes smashing debut to set up clash against Roger Federer

A few hours after old master Roger Federer reminded everyone of his enduring magic, Alexander Zverev, the man leading the next generation of men’s tennis, dazzled on his ATP Finals debut.

The 20-year-old German, ranked three in the world, was hot and cold against Croatia’s Marin Cilic but, when it mattered most, he produced his best tennis to win 6-4 3-6 6-4.

Zverev, the youngest qualifier for the season-ender for nine years, appeared to be fading after a dazzling start, but surged back in style to join Federer on top of Boris Becker Group.

“It is different walking on here than any other stadium. The crowd, the atmosphere is amazing,” Zverev, who revelled on the big stage, told reporters after the late-night finish. “There were a lot of nerves involved in my first match. Obviously I’m happy that’s behind me. I’m happy that I won.”

Zverev possesses huge power off the ground, yet it was his finesse at the net which earned him a break in the opening game, picking off a low drop volley that gave Cilic no chance.

His forehand wavered at times as Cilic cleverly tried to take the pace off the ball with some floaty slices, but Zverev closed out the …read more