The inaugural edition of the ATP Finals in Turin begins on Sunday with action from the red group. The evening session will be of particular interest to the locals as Matteo Berrettini comes up against Alexander Zverev. It has been a phenomenal season for Alexander Zverev, and he rightfully heads into this clash as the player to beat. However, Berrettini is definitely capable in this matchup and will be spurred on by the Turin crowd. Can the Italian come out on top or will Zverev be too strong?
ATP Finals Day 1 Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Matteo Berrettini
H2H: 3-1
Alexander Zverev has been exceptionally consistent in 2021, the 2018 ATP Finals champion has another opportunity to showcase his abilities against the best in the world. Zverev will be in action for the first time since a somewhat demoralising loss to Daniil Medvedev at the semi-final stage of the Paris masters where the German managed was thoroughly outplayed in a 2-6 2-6 loss.
There will be a particular focus on Matteo Berrettini this week in Turin as the only Italian player in the draw. Berrettini’s recent form hasn’t been amazing, but he has shown that he is capable on the biggest stages. The Italian suffered disappointing losses in Indian Wells and Vienna in his last two outings but should be rested and ready to fire in Turin.
Zverev holds the slight edge in the head-to-head history with a 3-1 lead. It was the German who prevailed 6-7 6-4 6-3 in their most recent clash in the Madrid final earlier this year. Zverev also won their only previous meeting on a hard court, 6-3 6-4 in Shanghai in 2019.
Zverev is a generally a step ahead of Berrettini, but technically there is very little to separate the pair and a close match is to be expected on this occasion. Each player possesses a booming first serve to comfortably take care of the majority of their service games. Zverev probably has the edge in mutual rallies from the back of the court, but Berrettini’s forehand is arguably the biggest shot from the baseline in this matchup. If Berrettini executes on serve, is accurate and patient from the baseline he can pull off the win here. There’s a unique pressure on Berrettini this week as the home crowd favourite, he will have rowdy support from the Italian crowd. The support can act as motivator or a hinderance, I suspect Berrettini is mature enough to use the energy in positive way. An upset could be on the cards if Zverev is slightly off.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
