Alexander Zverev Faces Felix Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Clash
Introduction
The inherent challenges of tournament pool play mean by this stage of the ATP Finals fans frequently find themselves puzzled, scrambling about for a mathematical tool and striving to determine the mind-boggling potential outcomes for advancement. However today's game between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is simple. It’s a straight shootout: the winner secures a semi-final battle against Carlos Alcaraz at this championship finale; the defeated player heads out.
Zverev is the favourite for this: the third-ranked player is the more experienced competitor, has previously won at this tournament twice before and holds the advantage in their personal record 6-3, winning both the games they've played on an indoor hard court.
But … this is the surface on which Auger-Aliassime has claimed the bulk of his trophies, he is full of confidence after his compelling comeback against Shelton on recently and he eliminated Zverev in the US Championships initial phase in August. Plus, the playing speed is higher in Turin than at the US Open venue, which provides an additional advantage in the Canadian's favor.
Should Zverev be cautious, like he was against the Italian, and the Canadian presses the German with his effective service game and fearless play, there is a strong chance the North American athlete – the former prodigy who was once in line ahead of Alcaraz and Sinner to take over from the tennis icons – who obtains the uncertain distinction of facing the top-ranked player on Saturday.
Play begins: at about 8.30pm local time, 7.30pm GMT.
