Zverev Takes On Auger-Aliassime in ATP World Tour Finals Clash
Introduction
The typical complications of group stage tennis mean at this point of the ATP World Tour Finals we’re often left confused, scrambling about for a mathematical tool and attempting to calculate the mind-boggling qualification scenarios. Yet today's game between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is straightforward. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the victor secures a semifinal contest against Alcaraz at this year-end tournament; the loser heads out.
Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the third-ranked player is the player with greater achievements, has claimed the title at this tournament twice before and holds the advantage in their personal record six matches to three, winning both their previous matches on an covered hard surface.
But … this is the surface on which Felix has secured the bulk of his trophies, he is in great form after his impressive recovery against Ben Shelton on midweek and he eliminated Zverev in the US Championships initial phase in late summer. Additionally, the playing speed is higher in the host city than at the US Open venue, which is even more beneficial in AA’s favor.
If Zverev holds back, as he did against the Italian, and the Canadian presses the German with his effective service game and fearless play, it might very well be the 25-year-old Canadian – the one-time phenom who was previously positioned before the Spanish and Italian stars to replace the Big Three – who obtains the dubious honour of facing the top-ranked player on Saturday.
Play begins: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7:30 PM in the UK.
