Félix Auger-Aliassime of Canada achieved a significant milestone by reaching the semi-finals of the ATP Finals for the first time in his career. On Friday, he defeated Germany’s Alexander Zverev with a score of 6-4, 7-6 (4) in Turin, Italy.
Performance Highlights
The 25-year-old from Montreal completed the round-robin stage with a record of 2-1, securing the second position in the Bjorn Borg Group. This victory sets him up for a semi-final matchup against world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz from Spain.
Match Details
- First Set: Auger-Aliassime broke Zverev’s serve in the final game, securing a 6-4 win.
- Second Set: Zverev struggled, making 18 unforced errors and failing to convert four break points.
- Deciding Tiebreak: Auger-Aliassime seized the win after Zverev hit a forehand long.
Auger-Aliassime expressed confidence in his performance, stating, “The match got a little tense… but I was able to hold serve.” This victory enhances his head-to-head record against Zverev to 4-6, and he is now ranked fifth in the ATP Live Rankings.
Zverev’s Struggles
Alexander Zverev, a two-time champion at the ATP Finals, finished this stage with a disappointing 1-2 record and did not advance. He openly displayed frustration during the match, gesturing toward his team at pivotal moments.
Upcoming Matchup Against Alcaraz
On Saturday, Auger-Aliassime will face Carlos Alcaraz, who topped the Jimmy Connors Group after winning all his matches. Auger-Aliassime has a record of 3-4 against Alcaraz, with the latter winning their last four meetings.
“This is a high-value tournament,” Auger-Aliassime remarked about competing against Alcaraz. He recognized the significance of the ATP Finals, likening it to a grand finale among top players.
A Look Back at Auger-Aliassime’s Journey
This marks Auger-Aliassime’s second appearance at the ATP Finals. In 2022, he defeated Rafael Nadal but failed to progress past the group stage. Following an early-season struggle, including an injury during his opening match against Jannik Sinner, he demonstrated resilience by coming back to defeat Ben Shelton.
Auger-Aliassime’s journey in the ATP Finals highlights not only his determination but also his capability to perform at the highest level against elite competition.
