Zverev Faces Auger-Aliassime in Season-Ending Championships Clash
Preamble
The inherent challenges of tournament pool play often result in at this point of the ATP Finals viewers are commonly puzzled, searching around for a computing device and trying to work out the complex potential outcomes for advancement. Yet this evening's contest between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is easy. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the victor earns a semifinal contest against Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the defeated player heads out.
The German is the frontrunner for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has previously won at this competition on two prior occasions and is ahead in their direct encounters with six victories against three defeats, securing victories in both their previous matches on an covered hard surface.
However … this particular court on which the Canadian has won most of his championships, he’s riding a high after his remarkable turnaround against Shelton on recently and he eliminated the German in the US Open early stage in late summer. Furthermore, the court pace is quicker in the host city than at Flushing Meadows, which provides an additional advantage in AA’s favour.
If Zverev holds back, like he was against Sinner, and the Canadian presses the German 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 in front of the younger champions to succeed the legendary trio – who obtains the uncertain distinction of playing against the global leader on Saturday.
Action commences: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7:30 PM in the UK.
