Alexander Zverev Faces Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals Showdown
Preamble
The typical complications of round-robin tennis often result in at this point of the ATP Finals we’re often left confused, hastily looking for a computing device and attempting to calculate the mind-boggling qualification scenarios. However this evening's contest between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is easy. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the victor sets up a final four matchup against Carlos Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the loser is eliminated.
Zverev is the favourite for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has claimed the title at this event twice before and leads their head-to-head six matches to three, securing victories in both the games they've played on an indoor hard court.
But … this is the surface on which the Canadian has won the bulk of his trophies, he is full of confidence after his impressive recovery against Shelton on midweek and he defeated the German in the US Open initial phase in August. Additionally, the court pace is quicker in the host city than at the US Open venue, which is even more beneficial in AA’s benefit.
If Zverev holds back, as he did against Sinner, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the European player with his effective service game and fearless play, it could well be the North American athlete – the one-time phenom who was previously positioned before the younger champions to replace the tennis icons – who obtains the uncertain distinction of playing against the top-ranked player tomorrow.
The match starts: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7.30pm GMT.
