Zverev Takes On Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Showdown
Overview
The occupational hazards of group stage tennis mean by this stage of the season-ending championships we’re often left confused, searching around for a mathematical tool and trying to work out the complex permutations of qualification. Yet this evening's contest between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is straightforward. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the winner sets up a semifinal battle against Carlos Alcaraz at this championship finale; the loser heads out.
The German is the frontrunner for this: the world No 3 is the player with greater achievements, has claimed the title at this tournament twice before and holds the advantage in their personal record six matches to three, winning both their previous matches on an covered hard surface.
But … this is the surface on which the Canadian has won the majority of his titles, he is full of confidence after his remarkable turnaround against Ben Shelton on recently and he defeated the German in the US Championships third round in late summer. Furthermore, the court pace is quicker in Turin than at the US Open venue, which provides an additional advantage in Auger-Aliassime's benefit.
If the German player is reserved, like he was against the Italian, and Felix aggressively challenges the European player with his stinging serves and confident shots, it might very well be the young Canadian – the one-time phenom who was earlier slated ahead of Alcaraz and Sinner to succeed the tennis icons – who secures the questionable privilege of playing against the global leader tomorrow.
Action commences: at about 8.30pm local time, 7.30pm GMT.
