Zverev Faces Auger-Aliassime in Season-Ending Championships Match

Introduction

The inherent challenges of tournament pool play typically lead to at this point of the season-ending championships fans frequently find themselves confused, hastily looking for a computing device and trying to work out the complex permutations of qualification. However today's game between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is simple. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the successful player secures a final four matchup against Alcaraz at this championship finale; the unsuccessful competitor goes home.

Zverev is the favourite for this: the third-ranked player is the more experienced competitor, has claimed the title at this event twice before and is ahead in their direct encounters six matches to three, having won both the games they've played on an covered hard surface.

Yet … this type of playing field on which Felix has secured the majority of his titles, he is in great form after his remarkable turnaround against Shelton on recently and he defeated Zverev in the US Open early stage in late summer. Plus, the court pace is quicker in the host city than at Flushing Meadows, which provides an additional advantage in AA’s favor.

Should Zverev be cautious, like he was against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his effective service game and fearless play, there is a strong chance the young Canadian – the one-time phenom who was once in line in front of the younger champions to replace the legendary trio – who obtains the questionable privilege of competing with the world No 1 on Saturday.

Play begins: at around 20:30 in the host city, 7:30 PM in the UK.