Alexander Zverev Takes On Felix Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Clash
Introduction
The typical complications of round-robin tennis mean at this point of the ATP Finals viewers are commonly scratching our heads, hastily looking for a computing device and trying to work out the complex qualification scenarios. Yet this evening's contest between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is easy. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the winner earns a semi-final battle against Carlos Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the defeated player heads out.
Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has claimed the title at this event on two prior occasions and is ahead in their direct encounters with six victories against three defeats, winning both their past encounters on an enclosed hard court.
But … this is the surface on which Felix has secured most of his championships, he is in great form after his remarkable turnaround against Shelton on Wednesday and he took out Zverev in the US Open third round in late summer. Additionally, the court pace is quicker in the host city than at Flushing Meadows, which is even more beneficial in the Canadian's favor.
Should Zverev be cautious, as he did against Sinner, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his powerful serves and confident shots, it could well be the North American athlete – the former prodigy who was once in line before Alcaraz and Sinner to take over from the tennis icons – who secures the uncertain distinction of competing with the global leader the next day.
Action commences: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7:30 PM in the UK.