Zverev Takes On Felix Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Clash
Overview
The inherent challenges of round-robin tennis mean by this stage of the ATP World Tour Finals fans frequently find themselves scratching our heads, scrambling about for a calculator and attempting to calculate the brain-busting permutations of qualification. Yet this evening's contest between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is straightforward. It’s a straight shootout: the winner secures a semi-final battle against Alcaraz at this year-end tournament; the loser goes home.
The German is the frontrunner for this: the third-ranked player is the more accomplished player, has claimed the title at this competition on two prior occasions and leads their head-to-head with six victories against three defeats, having won both the games they've played on an covered hard surface.
But … this is the surface on which Felix has secured most of his championships, he’s riding a high after his remarkable turnaround against Ben Shelton on midweek and he defeated the German in the US Championships early stage in late summer. Plus, the court pace is quicker in the host city than at Flushing Meadows, which is even more beneficial in AA’s favor.
Should Zverev be cautious, as he did against Sinner, and Felix aggressively challenges the European player with his powerful serves and bold strategy, there is a strong chance the young Canadian – the former prodigy who was once in line ahead of the younger champions to replace the tennis icons – who earns the dubious honour of playing against the global leader the next day.
Action commences: at approximately 8:30 PM in Turin, 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time.
