Alexander Zverev Battles Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Clash
Introduction
The inherent challenges of group stage tennis mean during this phase of the ATP World Tour Finals viewers are commonly scratching our heads, searching around for a mathematical tool and striving to determine the brain-busting qualification scenarios. However today's game between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is straightforward. It’s a straight shootout: the successful player earns a final four battle against Alcaraz at this championship finale; the loser is eliminated.
Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the world No 3 is the more accomplished player, has claimed the title at this competition twice before and holds the advantage in their personal record six matches to three, securing victories in both their past encounters on an indoor hard court.
Yet … this type of playing field on which Auger-Aliassime has claimed the majority of his titles, he is in great form after his compelling comeback against Shelton on Wednesday and he defeated the German in the US Open third round in late summer. Furthermore, the court pace is quicker in Turin than at Flushing Meadows, which provides an additional advantage in Auger-Aliassime's benefit.
If Zverev holds back, like he was against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his stinging serves and confident shots, there is a strong chance the 25-year-old Canadian – the earlier standout who was once in line ahead of Alcaraz and Sinner to take over from the Big Three – who secures the questionable privilege of competing with the world No 1 the next day.
The match starts: at around 20:30 in the host city, 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time.
