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Preamble

The typical complications of group stage tennis often result in during this phase of the ATP Finals we’re often left puzzled, hastily looking for a mathematical tool and striving to determine the mind-boggling potential outcomes for advancement. Yet this evening's contest between Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is easy. It’s a straight shootout: the successful player secures a final four contest against Alcaraz at this year-end tournament; the loser is eliminated.

Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the world No 3 is the more accomplished player, has been the champion at this competition previously on two instances and leads their head-to-head six matches to three, having won both their previous matches on an indoor hard court.

Yet … this type of playing field on which Auger-Aliassime has claimed the bulk of his trophies, he’s riding a high after his impressive recovery against Shelton on Wednesday and he eliminated the German in the US Championships early stage in August. Additionally, the playing speed is higher in the host city than at the US Open venue, which works even more in AA’s favor.

If the German player is reserved, as he did against Sinner, and the Canadian presses the European player with his effective service game and confident shots, it might very well be the North American athlete – the one-time phenom who was previously positioned before the younger champions to replace the tennis icons – who obtains the uncertain distinction of competing with the top-ranked player the next day.

The match starts: at approximately 8:30 PM in Turin, 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time.