Zverev Takes On Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Clash
Preamble
The typical complications of tournament pool play mean by this stage of the ATP World Tour Finals viewers are commonly puzzled, searching around for a mathematical tool and attempting to calculate the mind-boggling qualification scenarios. Yet tonight’s match between Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is easy. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the winner sets up a semi-final matchup against Carlos Alcaraz at this year-end tournament; the unsuccessful competitor heads out.
Zverev is the favourite for this: the world No 3 is the more accomplished player, has claimed the title at this tournament twice before and holds the advantage in their personal record 6-3, having won both their previous matches on an covered hard surface.
However … this particular court on which Felix has secured the bulk of his trophies, he is full of confidence after his remarkable turnaround against Ben Shelton on midweek and he took out Zverev in the US Championships third round in August. Plus, conditions are faster in the host city than at the US Open venue, which works even more in AA’s benefit.
If Zverev holds back, as he did against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the European player with his effective service game and fearless play, it might very well be the North American athlete – the one-time phenom who was once in line before Alcaraz and Sinner to succeed the legendary trio – who secures the dubious honour of facing the global leader tomorrow.
Play begins: at about 8.30pm local time, 7.30pm GMT.