Alexander Zverev Takes On Felix Auger-Aliassime in ATP World Tour Finals Showdown
Preamble
The occupational hazards of group stage tennis typically lead to at this point of the ATP Finals viewers are commonly puzzled, scrambling about for a mathematical tool and striving to determine the brain-busting potential outcomes for advancement. Yet this evening's contest between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is easy. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the winner sets up a final four matchup against Carlos Alcaraz at this championship finale; the unsuccessful competitor is eliminated.
The German is the frontrunner for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has claimed the title at this competition previously on two instances and holds the advantage in their personal record six matches to three, having won both the games they've played on an enclosed hard court.
But … this is the surface on which Felix has secured the majority of his titles, he is in great form after his impressive recovery against Ben Shelton on midweek and he took out the German in the US Championships third round in August. Additionally, the court pace is quicker in Turin than at the US Open venue, which provides an additional advantage in AA’s favour.
Should Zverev be cautious, like he was against the Italian, and the Canadian presses the European player with his stinging serves and confident shots, it could well be the 25-year-old Canadian – the one-time phenom who was once in line before the younger champions to replace the tennis icons – who obtains the questionable privilege of competing with the world No 1 on Saturday.
The match starts: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7:30 PM in the UK.
