Alexander Zverev Battles Felix Auger-Aliassime in Season-Ending Championships Clash
Overview
The inherent challenges of group stage tennis mean by this stage of the ATP Finals we’re often left puzzled, hastily looking for a computing device and striving to determine the mind-boggling permutations of qualification. But today's game between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is easy. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the victor secures a final four contest against Alcaraz at this championship finale; the loser heads out.
Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the elite athlete is the more experienced competitor, has been the champion at this event previously on two instances and leads their head-to-head six matches to three, winning both their past encounters on an covered hard surface.
Yet … this type of playing field on which the Canadian has won most of his championships, he’s riding a high after his compelling comeback against Ben Shelton on midweek and he eliminated Zverev in the US Championships third round in August. Additionally, the playing speed is higher in Turin than at the US Open venue, which is even more beneficial in the Canadian's favor.
If Zverev holds back, similar to his performance against Sinner, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his effective service game and bold strategy, it could well be the young Canadian – the former prodigy who was once in line before Alcaraz and Sinner to succeed the Big Three – who obtains the uncertain distinction of facing the global leader tomorrow.
Action commences: at approximately 8:30 PM in Turin, 7.30pm GMT.
