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Preamble

The typical complications of group stage tennis mean by this stage of the ATP Finals fans frequently find themselves scratching our heads, scrambling about for a mathematical tool and striving to determine the brain-busting potential outcomes for advancement. But today's game between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is straightforward. It’s a straight shootout: the winner sets up a semifinal matchup against Carlos Alcaraz at this championship finale; the unsuccessful competitor heads out.

Zverev is the favourite for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has been the champion at this event previously on two instances and is ahead in their direct encounters with six victories against three defeats, winning both the games they've played on an covered hard surface.

However … this particular court on which Felix has secured most of his championships, he’s riding a high after his impressive recovery against Ben Shelton on recently and he defeated Zverev in the US Championships early stage in late summer. Plus, the court pace is quicker in Turin than at the US Open venue, which is even more beneficial in AA’s benefit.

Should Zverev be cautious, like he was against Sinner, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the European player with his effective service game and confident shots, it might very well be the young Canadian – the earlier standout who was earlier slated before Alcaraz and Sinner to replace the Big Three – who obtains the questionable privilege of competing with the top-ranked player the next day.

The match starts: at around 20:30 in the host city, 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time.