Alexander Zverev Takes On Auger-Aliassime in Season-Ending Championships Clash

Introduction

The occupational hazards of tournament pool play mean during this phase of the season-ending championships we’re often left scratching our heads, searching around for a calculator and attempting to calculate the brain-busting permutations of qualification. But today's game between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is straightforward. It's a direct elimination: the victor sets up a final four battle against Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the unsuccessful competitor goes home.

Zverev is the favourite for this: the third-ranked player is the player with greater achievements, has been the champion at this competition previously on two instances and holds the advantage in their personal record six matches to three, having won both their past encounters on an indoor hard court.

Yet … this type of playing field on which Felix has secured the bulk of his trophies, he is in great form after his remarkable turnaround against Shelton on midweek and he eliminated Zverev in the US Championships third round in late summer. Furthermore, conditions are faster in the host city than at the US Open venue, which works even more in the Canadian's benefit.

If the German player is reserved, as he did against the Italian, and Felix aggressively challenges the European player with his effective service game and fearless play, it might very well be the North American athlete – the earlier standout who was earlier slated ahead of the Spanish and Italian stars to replace the legendary trio – who obtains the uncertain distinction of facing the world No 1 on Saturday.

Action commences: at approximately 8:30 PM in Turin, 7:30 PM in the UK.