Overview
The typical complications of round-robin tennis mean by this stage of the season-ending championships fans frequently find themselves confused, hastily looking for a mathematical tool and trying to work out the complex permutations of qualification. Yet this evening's contest between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is simple. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the victor secures a final four contest against Carlos Alcaraz at this championship finale; the unsuccessful competitor heads out.
The German is the frontrunner for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has claimed the title at this tournament previously on two instances and holds the advantage in their personal record 6-3, securing victories in both their previous matches on an indoor hard court.
However … this particular court on which Auger-Aliassime has claimed the bulk of his trophies, he’s riding a high after his remarkable turnaround against Shelton on midweek and he took out the German in the US Championships early stage in August. Plus, the court pace is quicker in Turin than at the US Open venue, which works even more in the Canadian's favor.
Should Zverev be cautious, like he was against Sinner, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the European player with his effective service game and bold strategy, there is a strong chance the 25-year-old Canadian – the former prodigy who was once in line in front of the Spanish and Italian stars to succeed the legendary trio – who secures the uncertain distinction of facing the top-ranked player the next day.
Play begins: at about 8.30pm local time, 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time.
