Zverev Takes On Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Showdown
Introduction
The inherent challenges of group stage tennis often result in by this stage of the season-ending championships we’re often left scratching our heads, hastily looking for a mathematical tool and striving to determine the complex qualification scenarios. However this evening's contest between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is easy. It’s a straight shootout: the winner secures a semi-final battle against Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the defeated player goes home.
The German is the frontrunner for this: the world No 3 is the player with greater achievements, has previously won at this competition twice before and is ahead in their direct encounters six matches to three, winning both the games they've played on an indoor hard court.
However … this particular court on which the Canadian has won the majority of his titles, he is full of confidence after his compelling comeback against Ben Shelton on Wednesday and he defeated the German in the US Championships third round in August. Plus, the court pace is quicker in Turin than at the US Open venue, which works even more in Auger-Aliassime's favour.
If the German player is reserved, similar to his performance against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the European player with his effective service game and confident shots, it could well be the young Canadian – the one-time phenom who was once in line before the younger champions to succeed the legendary trio – who earns the uncertain distinction of competing with the world No 1 on Saturday.
Play begins: at approximately 8:30 PM in Turin, 7:30 PM in the UK.
