TURIN (AFP) - Defending champion Daniil Medvedev recovered from a set down to defeat Poland's Hubert Hurkacz on Sunday (Nov 14) on the opening day of the ATP Finals in Turin.

The Russian second seed triumphed 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4 over seventh seeded Hurkacz.

"I had zero break points to save, so in a way I was never under pressure," said US Open champion Medvedev who fired 15 aces in the match.

"I had only two games on Hubert's serve where I had break points. Super happy to make this work and that I managed to get both breaks." Medvedev has now won 23 of his last 26 matches.

Later Sunday, German third seed Alexander Zverev faces sixth-seeded Matteo Berrettini of Italy.

This year's ATP Finals are being played in Turin for the first time after being switched from London.