Zverev Takes On Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Showdown

Overview

The occupational hazards of round-robin tennis often result in at this point of the ATP World Tour Finals fans frequently find themselves confused, searching around for a mathematical tool and trying to work out the mind-boggling potential outcomes for advancement. But tonight’s match between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is straightforward. It’s a straight shootout: the victor earns a semifinal matchup against Alcaraz at this year-end tournament; the loser heads out.

Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the world No 3 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, having won both their past encounters on an indoor hard court.

But … this is the surface on which the Canadian has won the bulk of his trophies, he’s riding a high after his compelling comeback against Shelton on Wednesday and he eliminated Zverev in the US Open initial phase in late summer. Plus, the playing speed is higher in Turin than at the US Open venue, which works even more in AA’s favour.

If the German player is reserved, like he was against the Italian, and the Canadian presses the European player with his effective service game and confident shots, there is a strong chance the 25-year-old Canadian – the one-time phenom who was once in line ahead of the Spanish and Italian stars to replace the legendary trio – who obtains the dubious honour of facing the top-ranked player the next day.

Play begins: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7:30 PM in the UK.