Jannik Sinner opened his ATP Finals title defence with an authoritative 7-5, 6-1 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Turin, extending his remarkable run of form on indoor hard courts and strengthening his bid to close the season as world number one.
With the Inalpi Arena packed and in full voice, Sinner showed composure and clarity from the first ball. He held serve to love in the opening game and, throughout the first set, allowed the Canadian very few chances to settle. Sinner offered a blend of depth, power and precise changes of direction, forcing Auger-Aliassime repeatedly onto the back foot.
Although the Canadian stayed competitive behind his serve, hitting eight aces in the first set alone, Sinner continually applied pressure, creating five break-point opportunities. The breakthrough finally arrived at 6-5, as Sinner stepped in aggressively on the return and secured the opening set to the delight of the home crowd.
The momentum carried firmly into the second set. Sinner broke early again to lead 3-0, at which point Auger-Aliassime required medical treatment for a left calf issue. Despite continuing, the Canadian struggled to move freely and was increasingly unable to counter Sinner’s weight of shot and fearless changes of pace, including delicate drop shots that drew loud applause.
Sinner completed the victory emphatically, sealing the match point with an ace, his final flourish to cap a high-level performance.
“It was a very tough match until 6-5,” Sinner said afterwards. “He played very aggressive tennis, and I had to stay patient. Winning the first match is very important in this format. I hope his injury is nothing serious. I wish him a quick recovery.”
The win extends Sinner’s incredible indoor hard court streak to 27 consecutive victories, a run dating back to his defeat to Novak Djokovic in the 2023 ATP Finals championship match. But beyond maintaining that record, Sinner is also locked in a race with Carlos Alcaraz to end the year as world number one. For Sinner, retaining the title in Turin is essential to keep the possibility alive, while Alcaraz could secure the top ranking with two more wins in the group and knockout stages.
In the other match in the Bjorn Borg Group, Germany’s Alexander Zverev opened his campaign with a 6-3, 7-6(6) victory over American Ben Shelton. Each player in the group will face the other three competitors, with the top two progressing to the semi-finals.
Tuesday’s action switches to the Jimmy Connors Group, where Alcaraz meets last year’s ATP Finals runner-up Taylor Fritz, while Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti faces Australian Alex de Minaur.
