Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime booked his place in the semi finals of the ATP Finals after defeating two time champion Alexander Zverev in straight sets. The Canadian secured a 6 to 4, 7 to 6 victory in their decisive round robin match, sealing the runners up position in the Bjorn Borg Group on Friday.
Both players had beaten American Ben Shelton and lost to Jannik Sinner earlier in the group, setting up a winner takes all contest for a place in the final four. Auger-Aliassime will now face world number one Carlos Alcaraz in Saturday’s semi final.
Speaking after the match, Auger-Aliassime acknowledged the challenge ahead. He said that reaching the final was the aim but he would need to overcome a very strong opponent to achieve that. He added that he would take any opportunity that came his way.
Zverev, who has lifted the ATP Finals title twice, was left frustrated by missed opportunities. He failed to convert any of his seven break points against Sinner earlier in the week, and a similar pattern emerged against Auger-Aliassime. The German earned break points in both sets but could not capitalise, while the Canadian made his breakthrough at 5 to 4 to claim the opening set.
Auger-Aliassime came under pressure during the first set and was forced to save break points at 2 to 2 and 4 to 4. Zverev briefly rallied from 0 to 40 down, only to lose his serve moments later and concede the set.
The second set followed a similar rhythm. Zverev frequently gestured towards his team as frustration grew, while Auger-Aliassime opened confidently by winning his first two service games to love. Both players created chances to break but could not take advantage, sending the set into a tiebreak.
Auger-Aliassime initially let a 2 to 0 lead slip in the tiebreak, but with Zverev serving at 4 to 5, the Canadian seized control. Consecutive minibreaks allowed him to close out the contest and eliminate the German from the tournament.
Jannik Sinner also extended his unbeaten run on indoor hard courts with a victory over Shelton earlier in the day, further underlining his strong form in this year’s Finals.
