Alexander Zverev produced one of his best performances of the season to beat Rafael Nadal in his opening match of the ATP Finals.

Nadal came into the match with doubts about his fitness but he made a positive start to the match as he held serve comfortably in his opening two service games.

However, Zverev was holding serve just as impressively and he broke Nadal after an error-strewn game from the Spaniard and he then went on a four-game streak to win the set 6-2.

The defending champion kept his foot on the gas to break Nadal again in the opening game of the second set and despite the world No 1's best efforts, the seventh seed served out the match with ease to start the tournament with a win.

Related articles Rafael Nadal injury admission made by Roberto Bautista Agut Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic: Year-end No 1 scenarios RAFAEL NADAL VS ALEXANDER ZVEREV AS IT HAPPENED

SECOND SET (*denotes server)

NADAL 2-6 4-6 ZVEREV*

Ideal start for Nadal and his wide serve is too much for Nadal. Zverev backhand into the net, 15-15. Nadal forehand long, 30-15.

Zverev backhand winner, two match points. Nadal forehand return long. GAME. SET. MATCH ZVEREV.

*NADAL 2-6 4-5 ZVEREV

Nadal ace, 30-15. But he then puts a forehand long, 30-30. Classic angled Nadal forehand and a defensive forehand from Zverev goes long.

Zverev return into the tramlines means it is game for Nadal. Zverev to serve for the match next.

NADAL 2-6 3-5 ZVEREV*

Zverev forehand wide, 30-30. Zverev backhand winner, 40-30. Wow. Blistering forehand winner on the run from Zverev. Nadal serving next to stay in the match.

*NADAL 2-6 3-4 ZVEREV

Zverev forehand return long, 40-15. Scorching forehand return winner from Zverev, 40-30. But Nadal holds to keep himself in the game.

NADAL 2-6 2-4 ZVEREV*

Another efficient service hold from Zverev. This is a long way from the trauma of 20+ double faults during the US Open.

*NADAL 2-6 2-3 ZVEREV

Nadal backhand into the net, 15-30. Zverev backhand into the net. Very tense moment in the match.

A stunning shot from Nadal as he miraculously flicks a backhand up the line for a winner. He then mis-hits a forehand long, deuce.

Zverev forehand winner, break point. Zverev backhand into the net. An ace from Nadal to finish the game. Gusty stuff.

NADAL 2-6 1-3 ZVEREV*

Zverev forehand just long, 30-15. Another 141mph first serve from Zverev is too hot for Nadal.

Alexander Zverev beat Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-4 (Image: GETTY)

Alexander Zverev won the first set 6-2 (Image: GETTY)

*NADAL 2-6 1-2 ZVEREV

Nadal finally breaks Zverev's streak as he holds to 15. Still an uphill task to win from here.

NADAL 2-6 0-2 ZVEREV*

Back-to-back double faults from Zverev, 0-30. But a big serve followed by backhand draws him level, 30-30. Zverev backhand into the net, deuce.

And he completes the recovery with a forehand winner into the open court after dragging Nadal wide. Six games in a row for Zverev.

*NADAL 2-6 0-1 ZVEREV

Good aggressive play from Zverev as he attacks the net and finishes with a volley. Big-hitting again from Zverev draws the error from Nadal, break point.

More attacking play from Zverev is too much for Nadal and he breaks again with a volley winner.

FIRST SET

NADAL 2-6 ZVEREV*

Nadal return into the net, two set points for Zverev. And another backhand return error from Nadal gives the first set to Zverev.

Very impressive from the German.

*NADAL 2-5 ZVEREV

Shot of the match so far from Zverev as he hits a forehand winner down the line on the run, 15-15.

Nadal puts a backhand wide, 15-30. He responds with a classic wide serve to get the return error. Zverev forehand winner, deuce.

Nadal nets defensive backhand, break point Zverev. Nadal forehand flies long and it's another break for Zverev. Big problems for Nadal.

NADAL 2-4 ZVEREV*

Zverev races to 40-0 with more massive serving. And he holds to consolidate the break.

*NADAL 2-3 ZVEREV

Nadal nets a backhand, 0-30. Nadal forehand long, three break points for Zverev.

And another forehand into the net gifts Zverev the game. Extremely sloppy game from Nadal.

NADAL 2-2 ZVEREV*

Ooohs and ahhs from the crowd as Zverev bombs down 140mph serves. A slow 131mph ace wins the game.

Related articles Uncle Toni cracks Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic retirement joke Playing like Roger Federer is the best way to beat Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal walks onto court for his match (Image: GETTY) *NADAL 2-1 ZVEREV

Nadal backhand into the tramlines, 30-15. Good length from Zverev and he draws the error from Nadal.

More big hitting from Zverev draws another mistake from Nadal, deuce. But Nadal comes through again. Evenly matched start to this match.

NADAL 1-1 ZVEREV*

Huge serving takes Zverev to 40-0 in no time at all. And a 143mph ace seals the game. Impressive start by the champion.

*NADAL 1-0 ZVEREV

126mph first serve from Nadal on the opening point, which is won by Zverev. Nadal then hits a 106mph ace.

Nadal backhand winner after a lengthy rally, 40-15. And the world No 1 holds when Zverev nets a forehand.

20:03: Proper goosebumps as Nadal walks onto the court after Zverev. Huge reception for the Spaniard.

19:55: The build-up to the match has been dominated by injury worries over the abdominal injury Nadal suffered in Paris earlier this month.

Let's hope he is able to play close to his best today!

19:50: Ten minutes away from Nadal vs Zverev. The atmosphere is building up nicely ahead of the match.

19:40: This is the second match of the day from 'Group Andre Agassi'. Earlier today, Stefanos Tsitsipas picked up his first win over Daniil Medvedev.

19:30: Hello and welcome to LIVE coverage of Rafael Nadal's round-robin clash against Alexander Zverev at the ATP Finals.