Zverev Faces Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Showdown
Preamble
The occupational hazards of group stage tennis mean during this phase of the ATP Finals viewers are commonly confused, hastily looking for a mathematical tool and striving to determine the brain-busting qualification scenarios. But tonight’s match between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is simple. It's a direct elimination: the successful player sets up a final four contest against Alcaraz at this championship finale; the unsuccessful competitor heads out.
Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the third-ranked player is the more accomplished player, has previously won at this tournament on two prior occasions and is ahead in their direct encounters with six victories against three defeats, winning both their past encounters on an indoor hard court.
Yet … this type of playing field on which Auger-Aliassime has claimed the bulk of his trophies, he is full of confidence after his compelling comeback against Shelton on midweek and he defeated the German in the US Championships early stage in August. Plus, conditions are faster in Turin than at the US Open venue, which works even more in the Canadian's favour.
If Zverev holds back, like he was against Sinner, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his powerful serves and bold strategy, it could well be the young Canadian – the one-time phenom who was earlier slated before Alcaraz and Sinner to take over from the Big Three – who secures the dubious honour of playing against the world No 1 tomorrow.
The match starts: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7.30pm GMT.
