On Friday evening at the Nitto ATP Finals, the spotlight was firmly on the match between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, which would determine who would advance to the semi-finals and face Carlos Alcaraz. The stakes were high as both players sought to secure their place in the knockout phase of this prestigious tournament.
Earlier in the day, the Italian Jannik Sinner continued his show of dominance, defeating American debutant Ben Shelton with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6(3). Sinner’s victory marked his 29th consecutive win on indoor courts, a remarkable achievement that underlines his current form. While Shelton demonstrated resilience, especially in the second set, Sinner’s experience and consistent performance kept him in control throughout the match. Although Shelton exited the tournament winless, he walked away with a substantial prize of $248,250.
The evening encounter was a thrilling display of skill and tenacity, with Auger-Aliassime ultimately besting Zverev 6-4, 7-6(4). This victory not only secured Auger-Aliassime’s advancement but also represented a significant rebound from an earlier loss in the group stage. With this win, he finished the week with two victories to his name, placing him behind Sinner in the Bjorn Borg group.
After the match, Auger-Aliassime acknowledged the importance of the tournament, emphasizing the caliber of players that have succeeded at this event in the past. “This is a high-value tournament for players… It’s like a grand finale,” he stated, reinforcing the motivation to compete against the best. He added, “I will take my chance if I have it,” indicating his readiness to face Alcaraz, who is regarded as one of the top players in the game.
This victory marked Auger-Aliassime’s 50th tour-level win for the season, making him the second Canadian to reach the final four at the ATP Finals, following Milos Raonic’s achievement in 2016. The match against Zverev showcased Auger-Aliassime’s ability to handle high-pressure situations. He displayed solid service games, evading break points in crucial moments of the first set before sealing it with a standout forehand that left Zverev scrambling.
The second set proved to be even more competitive, with both players fighting hard to secure a break. Despite Auger-Aliassime losing out on multiple break point opportunities, he maintained his focus and clinched the tie-break with key mini-breaks that turned the tide in his favor. After over two hours of tense competition, Auger-Aliassime expressed satisfaction with his performance, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that such close matches often entail.
With this resounding victory, Auger-Aliassime improved his world ranking to No. 5, solidifying his place among the elite as he prepares to take on Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. Fans can expect an exhilarating matchup as Auger-Aliassime seeks to capitalize on his newfound momentum.
