Alexander Zverev stunned world No 1 Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-4 in the first match of his ATP Finals title defence.
The world No 5 beat Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic back-to-back to lift the trophy at London’s O2 Arena last year.
And he sent a statement to the rest of the field by comfortably getting over the top seed this evening.
The 22-year-old then credited the British crowd for showing him the love he needed to perform to his best.
“It is great. Obviously knows how much I was struggling the whole season and this means so much playing here again,” Zverev said.
“After winning the biggest title of my career here last year this place means so much to me.
“I was looking forward to this match and thanks a lot to everyone that came out and supported me.
“This is why, the atmosphere, at the beginning of the season everyone is trying to make London.
“Playing here in front of you guys is something we don’t have during the year. This is so special and thank you very much.
“Just coming back here to practice on Thursday and Friday was amazing.
“Being in the stadium was something I wanted to do this year. It was a huge goal of mine.
“It was not always a lot of ups so I hope I can play my best tennis this week and we’ll see where it goes.”
Zverev won a magnificent 88 per cent of his first serve points during the battle with Nadal and he then joked it was because of the food his mother fed him.
“Carrots, spinach, whatever was coming my way, thank to mum for whatever she was giving me,” he added.
“I was listening to my parents this week.”