ATP Tour

Zverev approaching Turin with 'joy' & playing down favourite talk

Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, the top two seeds at the Nitto ATP Finals, will be among the leading contenders when the season-ending championships get underway in Turin.

But for Zverev, the No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, the immediate focus is firmly on the group stage, rather than the possibility of a showdown with Alcaraz later in the week. The 29-year-old German was keen to show respect to his John McEnroe Group rivals during his pre-tournament press conference, highlighting the challenge posed by Ben Shelton, Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodar.

“I think we shouldn't disrespect anybody,” Zverev said when asked about being the tournament favourite. “I don't think about Carlos right now. I think about these three young gentlemen because we have a very strong group and everybody shows that they know how to play tennis, otherwise they would not be here.

“So my focus is on them at the moment and then we see what will happen later in the week.”

Zverev is a two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion, having lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2021. However, his previous success at the event is not something he is dwelling on as he prepares to compete as the top seed in 2026.

The German has enjoyed a remarkable season, claiming his first two Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and the US Open, either side of a run to his maiden Wimbledon final. That outstanding stretch of results helped him climb to the top of the PIF ATP Rankings earlier this month, becoming the 30th player to reach No. 1.

With that achievement behind him, Zverev is approaching his latest appearance at the prestigious season finale with a sense of appreciation and enjoyment.

“How will I approach this tournament? I will approach this tournament with joy,” Zverev said. “I will have fun playing here. I will enjoy being on this court. I will never take it for granted again to be at a spot with the best eight players in the world.”

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Zverev owns an 18-12 record at the Nitto ATP Finals, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, and is making his ninth appearance at the event. He will open his campaign against 20-year-old debutant Jodar, whom he leads 1-0 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.

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Jodar has enjoyed a breakthrough first season on the ATP Tour in 2026. The Spaniard claimed his maiden tour-level title in Marrakech before climbing into the world's Top 10 earlier this month. Having taken just 287 days to progress from his tour-level debut at the Australian Open in January to reaching World No. 10, Jodar comfortably broke the previous record of 490 days for the shortest time between those milestones.

Now, just 11 months after making his first appearance at the 20-and-under Next Gen ATP Finals last December, Jodar is preparing for his debut at the season-ending championships in Turin.

“For me it was kind of a goal because it's the first year [on Tour] for me,” Jodar said. “So I just let my game evolve during these past tournaments. But I got enough points to be here. It’s an honor and a privilege to share this group with the best players in the world. I’m super happy to be in Turin for my first time and enjoying the week so far.”