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Introduction

The typical complications of round-robin tennis typically lead to at this point of the ATP Finals fans frequently find themselves confused, hastily looking for a mathematical tool and attempting to calculate the mind-boggling permutations of qualification. However this evening's contest between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is easy. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the winner earns a semi-final contest against Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the defeated player goes home.

Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the elite athlete is the more experienced competitor, has claimed the title at this competition on two prior occasions and is ahead in their direct encounters six matches to three, winning both their previous matches on an enclosed hard court.

But … this is the surface on which the Canadian has won the majority of his titles, he’s riding a high after his impressive recovery against Ben Shelton on recently and he took out the German in the US Championships third round in late summer. Furthermore, conditions are faster in Turin than at the US Open venue, which is even more beneficial in Auger-Aliassime's favor.

If Zverev holds back, similar to his performance against Sinner, and the Canadian presses the German with his powerful serves and fearless play, there is a strong chance the young Canadian – the earlier standout who was earlier slated in front of Alcaraz and Sinner to take over from the tennis icons – who obtains the dubious honour of competing with the world No 1 tomorrow.

The match starts: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7.30pm GMT.