Zverev Takes On Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Match
Preamble
The inherent challenges of round-robin tennis often result in at this point of the ATP World Tour Finals fans frequently find themselves confused, hastily looking for a calculator and striving to determine the brain-busting permutations of qualification. But this evening's contest between Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is simple. It's a direct elimination: the winner sets up a semi-final matchup against Alcaraz at this championship finale; the defeated player heads out.
The German is the frontrunner for this: the elite athlete is the player with greater achievements, has claimed the title at this competition 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 the Canadian has won the majority of his titles, he is in great form after his remarkable turnaround against Shelton on recently and he defeated the German in the US Championships third round in August. Plus, the playing speed is higher in the host city than at the US Open venue, which provides an additional advantage in the Canadian's benefit.
Should Zverev be cautious, as he did against the Italian, and Felix aggressively challenges the European player with his powerful serves and bold strategy, there is a strong chance the North American athlete – the earlier standout who was earlier slated in front of the younger champions to replace the Big Three – who secures the questionable privilege of facing the world No 1 the next day.
Action commences: at approximately 8:30 PM in Turin, 7:30 PM in the UK.
