Alexander Zverev Takes On Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Showdown
Introduction
The typical complications of group stage tennis often result in at this point of the ATP Finals we’re often left scratching our heads, hastily looking for a calculator and trying to work out the brain-busting permutations of qualification. But tonight’s match between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is simple. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the successful player secures a semifinal matchup against Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the unsuccessful competitor is eliminated.
Zverev is the favourite for this: the elite athlete is the more experienced competitor, has been the champion at this tournament twice before and holds the advantage in their personal record with six victories against three defeats, securing victories in both the games they've played on an covered hard surface.
Yet … this type of playing field on which the Canadian has won the bulk of his trophies, he is in great form after his remarkable turnaround against Shelton on recently and he eliminated the German in the US Open third round in late summer. Furthermore, the court pace is quicker in Turin than at Flushing Meadows, which works even more in AA’s favour.
If the German player is reserved, like he was against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his effective service game and bold strategy, it could well be the North American athlete – the former prodigy who was once in line in front of Alcaraz and Sinner to replace the legendary trio – who obtains the dubious honour of competing with the world No 1 the next day.
The match starts: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7.30pm GMT.
