Alexander Zverev Takes On Felix Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Clash
Overview
The occupational hazards of group stage tennis often result in during this phase of the season-ending championships we’re often left confused, scrambling about for a calculator and striving to determine the complex permutations of qualification. But today's game between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is simple. It’s a straight shootout: the winner secures a semifinal matchup against Carlos Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the loser heads out.
Zverev is the favourite for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has been the champion at this tournament on two prior occasions 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 Auger-Aliassime has claimed the bulk of his trophies, he is full of confidence after his remarkable turnaround against Ben Shelton on midweek and he took out Zverev in the US Championships early stage in August. Plus, the playing speed is higher in Turin than at Flushing Meadows, which provides an additional advantage in Auger-Aliassime's favour.
Should Zverev be cautious, like he was against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his powerful serves and bold strategy, it could well be the 25-year-old Canadian – the former prodigy who was previously positioned ahead of the younger champions to replace the Big Three – who secures the dubious honour of playing against the global leader tomorrow.
Play begins: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7.30pm GMT.
