Key events
Right, that’s it from me for now, but thanks for your company and do join me again tomorrow for the semi-finals. Fino a domani … !
AA speaks:
I think it was a great first set, start of the second set was good too, but then I didn’t take my chances. The match got tense from that moment. But I was still able to hold serve and I played two solid points to finish it off in the tie-break. This tournament is very high value to the players, it’s the grand finale, when you see the list of champions it’s pretty much world No 1s. I want to be the final but I’m going to have to go through a great player.
What chance does AA have? Well he does at least know how to beat Alcaraz, having done so in three of their seven meetings, but all of those victories came in 2022 or earlier, before Alcaraz turned into a smiling assassin. AA’s results this year suggest he could step up and lead the chasing pack behind Alcaraz and Sinner in 2026, but he’ll have to play a lot better than he did this evening to shock the world No 1 tomorrow.
As for Zverev, he looked a little lost this week, without a clear plan. His serve was the only thing firing. He’s still the world No 3, but he’s got a lot to think about before next season if he’s to take it to the best players rather than waiting for them to miss. Tonight’s result means Zverev will finish 2025 with less than half the ranking points the No 2 Sinner has. The gulf between the top two and the rest is stark.
So the semi-finals are set: it’s Auger-Aliassime v Alcaraz and Sinner v De Minaur. No prizes for guessing which two players start as the favourites.
Auger-Aliassime beats Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (4)
Once again AA is two points from victory, he’s blowing on his hands as he waits to receive, and it does the job as Zverev eventually nets! AA has got himself two match points at 6-4 … the first is on Zverev’s serve, and Zverev loops a lame forehand long! AA has bounced back from losing his opening match to reach the semi-finals for the first time. The Canadian wasn’t at his best tonight, but credit to him for coming through a high-pressure match, and repeating his victory over Zverev at the US Open. AA now has a Saturday night date with Alcaraz, while Zverev can’t head on his holidays quite yet. He’s got the Davis Cup Finals with Germany next week in Bologna.
“Who can keep the balance between a little bit of aggression but not too many errors will come out on top in this tie-break,” says Tim Henman, which is easier said than done given the error count in this set. Zverev does pull off a gutsy serve-volley combination to make it 4-3, AA comes back for 4-all, and puts away a high-pressure smash for 5-4 …
… AA jams Zverev with a body serve for 3-2 … and it’s 3-all at the change of ends as AA weakly slices a backhand into the net …
AA moves 1-0 ahead, before grabbing the first mini-break for 2-0. Zverev gets on the board for 2-1, as the match clock nudges over two hours … and AA concedes the mini-break as he hits beyond the baseline …
Second set: Zverev 4-6, 6-6 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
This won’t go down as one of the week’s best matches. It’s been far too hit and miss, even though AA has been the frontrunner throughout. Another shot for Zverev to forget on the opening point. But AA lets Zverev off the hook, throwing in an error of his own on the second point. Zverev misfires (again) for 15-30, before AA blinks for 40-30. They both look as if they want to be on their holidays. But Zverev suddenly ups the ante, zooming around the court with a previously unseen urgency, and he’s got himself a tie-break.
Second set: Zverev* 4-6, 5-6 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Zverev is standing so far back to receive serve he’s almost taken his place in the crowd. It’s a tactic that doesn’t pay off. 15-0. Which develops into 40-15. Zverev’s return clips the tape, but that’s where the German’s luck ends. AA holds.
Second set: Zverev 4-6, 5-5 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
This is the point at which AA broke Zverev in the first set, what can he do here? AA has credited his resurgence this year to becoming mentally stronger, previously he had a tendency to struggle in the biggest matches, finals in particular, so does he have the fortitude to take out the world No 3? AA doesn’t need to do much on the opening point, as Zverev misses by a mile; there have been too many bloopers from Zverev tonight. But Zverev then shows real class at the net for 30-15. AA draws the error for 30-all … he’s two points from victory. And he could really be one, after a superb return, but he undoes his good work with a poor forehand! 40-30. And Zverev serves himself out of trouble. AA will be seeing that forehand in his sleep tonight if he loses this match.
Second set: Zverev* 4-6, 4-5 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Three serve bombs and it’s 40-15. But AA, perhaps too keen to get the job done, snatches at a forehand down the line. 40-30. But no bother: he seals the game with an ace down the T. AA is potentially a game away.
Second set: Zverev 4-6, 4-4 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
0-15: Zverev’s into double figures now for unforced errors on his backhand, which is usually his most reliable shot. An ugly forehand makes it 0-30. He even manages to miss his practice shot before serving at 15-30; the crowd laugh at his pain. But he finds a big serve, and another, for 40-30. That’s the shot that’s keeping him in this. A longer point plays out … which is where you’d back AA … but the Canadian nets. Not a game for the highlights reel.
Second set: Zverev* 4-6, 3-4 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 40-0. Which then swings wildly to 40-15, 40-30, deuce, with Zverev sending the most nonchalant of winners beyond AA, as well as gratefully accepting a couple of AA errors. AA then decides he’s had enough of being charitable, and quickly holds from deuce.
Second set: Zverev 4-6, 3-3 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
A lung-busting point at 0-15, Zverev does well to stay in it when AA goes back behind him and has him off balance, but a few shots later AA opens the court up and puts away a backhand. 0-30. Make that 15-30, 30-all … a let-up from AA there. But Zverev is inexcusably casual as he makes a total hash of his smash. 30-40, break point. AA spots an opening down the line after a long exchange … but nets! He somehow manages to laugh. A rare drop shot from AA … but Zverev is on to it, and whacks away a winner. Advantage Zverev. Deuce. Advantage Zverev, after he prevails in a game of cat and mouse. Deuce. Advantage Zverev. Deuce. Zverev is given a time violation for missing the shot clock, but brings up a fourth advantage. The longest game of the match, which Zverev finally settles with an air-bound volley. AA could really have this match wrapped up by now.
Second set: Zverev* 4-6, 2-3 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Zverev, now with a spring in his step, zips to 0-30 on AA’s serve. But does he have enough guts to go for his shots rather than waiting for AA to make the error? Yes, as he pings a winning backhand down the line. 15-40. But Zverev’s third break point of the match comes and goes, as does the fourth, as AA’s serve gets him out of trouble. Deuce. Advantage AA. Game AA, courtesy of that forehand. Back-to-back holds from 15-40 down. Zverev looks dejected and, because of his diabetes, checks his blood glucose levels at the changeover.
Second set: Zverev 4-6, 2-2 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Zverev is looking to the skies – or more accurately the roof – when AA’s shot flicks off the tape and stops him from getting his volley back. 0-15. Zverev refocuses for 15-all, but then nets a meek backhand. “He looks flat, he’s missing that extra small step around the ball,” notes Laura Robson on Sky. And a double fault gifts AA two break points at 15-40! Given Zverev’s body language right now, it’s questionable whether he’ll be able to fend them off, but he finds just enough to do so. Deuce. Advantage Zverev. Game Zverev, with a nice volley and smash. His feet were definitely moving there. Perhaps escaping to victory in this game will get him out of his funk.
Second set: Zverev* 4-6, 1-2 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
A crazy stat for you, apropos of absolutely nothing that’s happening in this game: Zverev, the world No 3, is closer in ranking points to the world No 1000 than he is to Sinner, the world No 2. Which shows just how far ahead Sinner and Alcaraz are from the rest of the pack. Despite Zverev reaching the Australian Open final this year, no one has been able to fill the void below the top two. It also shows the opportunity available to Auger-Aliassime if he can build on what’s been his best season since 2022 – it’s still not too late for the former prodigy to fulfil some of the sky-high expectations people had of him when he was a teenager – and reaching the last four in Turin would be a significant step forward. AA flies through another love hold, and is yet to drop a point on serve in this second set.
Second set: Zverev 4-6, 1-1 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Zverev does at least steady himself by getting to 40-0. But AA then fizzes another forehand winner for 40-15. That’s as good as it gets for the Canadian though. Zverev gamely holds.
Second set: Zverev* 4-6, 1-0 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Zverev is glancing at his dad looking for answers. Zverev doesn’t have any in this game: AA serves his way to 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, and a 6-4, 1-0 lead. Zverev left the court at the end of the first set; he probably wishes he could vanish again here. “LET’S GO ALEX, LET’S GO,” cries a hopeful fan in the crowd.
Auger-Aliassime wins the first set 6-4
Zverev’s normally solid backhand misfires on the opening point … and then AA flashes an inside-out forehand winner! 0-30. This is the biggest chance AA has had on Zverev’s serve … and look here, now AA has got three set points from nowhere! AA, now all energy, zips along the baseline, sending Zverev one way and then the other … but AA hits just long! Zverev was lucky there; he was playing so passively for a set point. But he’s more focused when he sends down a second-serve ace for 30-40. And then it’s a similar story to the first set point when Zverev waits for an error from his opponent and gets it. From 0-40 to deuce … but a messy, horrible volley from Zverev gives AA a fourth set point! AA wallops a cross-court winner and that’s that! Zverev, having looked so imperious on serve in the set, has been broken and AA is a set away from his first ATP Finals semi-final!
First set: Zverev* 4-5 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
In truth, this match hasn’t totally sparked into life, despite the close scoreline. There’s a sense their best is yet to come; they definitely haven’t hit the heights of their US Open encounter in August. They do their best to get the crowd going with an absorbing third point, which ends in Zverev’s favour. AA then winds up to put away what will almost certainly be a winner … but misses! 30-all. Can Zverev create a second break point? Yes, because AA tries to serve-volley but prods his volley long! Zverev saw seven break points come and go against Sinner the other day and he can’t capitalise here either … just as in game five, AA survives from 30-40 down with three straight points.
First set: Zverev 4-4 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Zverev is slightly distracted by something going on in the crowd – or perhaps with the screen. He doesn’t want to serve yet. “It’s up to you guys,” says the umpire. Eventually they get under way, and it’s swiftly 30-0. Zverev’s landed 82% of his first serves so far, and won 93% of first-serve points; with those kind of stats how does AA break? Cue the commentator’s curse, as Zverev’s serve stutters for 30-15. No problem, though. Zverev secures the next two points and this is still going with serve.
First set: Zverev* 3-4 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
A squeaky-shoed rally as AA accelerates to 30-0. Which is soon 40-0. Anything Zverev can do … AA seems determined to get a love hold too. But the Canadian blinks on the first game point, Zverev then drills a backhand winner down the line for 40-30 … and Zverev then fails to pull the trigger in the longest rally of the match so far! Game AA. Zverev let AA off the hook there. He needed to show more aggression.
First set: Zverev 3-3 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game, after Zverev gets lucky with a wicked deflection off the net. Back to you Felix …
First set: Zverev* 2-3 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
Some brilliant shot-making from both players … one of the best rallies of the match so far … but then Zverev gets into a mess on his forehand: 15-0. Another wayward shot from the German: 30-15. He hasn’t got his footwork quite right in this game. But he then quickly finds his feet to bring up the first break point of the match at 30-40 with a forehand cross-court pass. AA dismisses the danger for deuce, and then rattles off the next two points too, the last with a lovely flick of his racket.
First set: Zverev 2-2 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
AA is all action as he jumps into a return before charging to the net – and the pressure forces the error from Zverev. 0-15. Zverev restores parity with an ace. And another snarling serve down the T sets up the next point. Now it’s Zverev’s turn to rush to the net, as he serve-volleys … and AA errs. 40-15. Game. Nothing giving on serve yet. Fancy some tie-breaks tonight? Sure you do.
First set: Zverev* 1-2 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
On Wednesday against Shelton, AA didn’t seem bothered by the left calf injury he suffered in his opening match against Sinner, and he’s moving well here too as he sprints to 30-0. Both AA and Zverev are such strong servers and they’ve barely given each other a look at any second serves so far. AA advances to 40-15 – that’s three aces already for him – but a wild cross-court backhand gives Zverev a glimmer. But the glimmer does not turn into deuce. AA nudges ahead once more.
First set: Zverev 1-1 Auger-Aliassime* (*denotes next server)
Only one game in, but I may steal Brad Gilbert’s nickname for Andre Agassi and call Auger-Aliassime “Double A” from now on to stave off any RSI. Or just AA. But anyway … Zverev takes the first point, but then plants a forehand into the net. He makes up for his lazy mistake with an ace out wide, and at 30-15 his cross-court backhand is too hot for AA to handle. AA then prods long on the return and Zverev, just as his opponent did, starts with a hold to 15.
First set: Zverev* 0-1 Auger-Aliassime (*denotes next server)
For Auger-Aliassime, like many players, it’s about his serve and forehand. Zverev is in the minority, with his backhand his showpiece shot. And the German grabs the first point with a backhand winner. Auger-Aliassime gets on the board on the second point, and then punishes a short return for 30-15, before bringing up 40-15. An unreturned serve gives the Canadian world No 8 a no-fuss opening hold.
Auger-Aliassime to serve. Ready? Let’s play.
Now Auger-Aliassime, dressed in purple, is making Zverev, clad all in black, wait for the coin toss. The match may not have started yet, but the mind games certainly have. Zverev wins it and elects to receive. Laura Robson is going for a Zverev win; Tim Henman opts for Auger-Aliassime. I think I’m sitting on the fence. Auger-Aliassime has the bigger momentum, but of course it’s Zverev with the greater pedigree.
Zverev turns up finally. The crowd jeer him a little for his tardiness.
The tennis ball bouncing like a heartbeat is heard loudly over the speakers. Auger-Aliassime is waiting in the wings; Zverev hasn’t turned up yet. I wonder how hard Auger-Aliassime’s heart is beating right now; victory tonight would be one of his biggest, given it would give him a place in the semi-finals.
“It’s do or die for both,” says Boris Becker, who’s chatting to Laura Robson on Sky. “Felix has got a huge first serve, very powerful forehand, he can throw in a few too many errors, but right now is full of confidence. From a German point of view I want Sascha to go through. I don’t think he wants to go home yet.”
The stage is set at the Inalpi Arena, the lights have gone down and the players should be on court shortly. Which gives us just enough time to talk tactics.
I think this comes down to who is willing to step up and play closer to the baseline – which Auger-Aliassime did against Shelton in his previous match, but Zverev failed to do against Sinner. Yes, Zverev has done much more in tennis than his opponent, having won this tournament twice and reached three slam finals, but in the biggest matches there’s sometimes a sense he’d rather his opponent misses than he hits a winner. Auger-Aliassime attacked Zverev at will when defeating the German at this year’s US Open, and a similar strategy this evening could lead the Canadian into his first ATP Finals semi-final.
Some ceremonies too. Alcaraz has been presented with his year-end world No 1 trophy:
And the players who retired in 2025, including Britain’s Kyle Edmund, have been recognised on court. Ach, Edmund … he could have been a contender, he should have been a contender, but for the injuries that wrecked his career:
Meanwhile in the doubles, Britain’s Henry Patten and his Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara, favourites of this blog, also won in straight sets this afternoon to make the last four. And Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski have got the evening crowd warmed up for Zverev and Auger-Aliassime by beating the Americans Christian Harrison and Evan King 7-5, 6-3. It means they take a 3-0 record into their all-British semi-final against the top seeds Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool. So that makes it five (!) Brits still in the doubles.
Earlier today, also in the Bjorn Borg group, Jannik Sinner did what Jannik Sinner does, winning his third successive match in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, against the already eliminated Ben Shelton. Next for the defending champ and home hero is Alex De Minaur in the semi-finals – a player he boasts one of the most lop-sided records in men’s tennis against, having won all 12 of their previous meetings.
Preamble
The occupational hazards of round-robin tennis mean by this stage of the ATP Finals we’re often left scratching our heads, scrambling about for a calculator and trying to work out the brain-busting permutations of qualification. But tonight’s match between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is easy. It’s a straight shootout: the winner sets up a semi-final against Carlos Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the loser goes home (or, if it’s Auger-Aliassime, perhaps he’ll finally head off on honeymoon, having been unable to step off the tennis treadmill for long enough after he got married a couple of months ago).
Zverev is the favourite for this: the world No 3 is the more accomplished player, has been the champion at this tournament twice before and leads their head-to-head 6-3, winning both their previous matches on an indoor hard court. But … this is the surface on which Auger-Aliassime has claimed the majority of his titles, he’s riding a high after his compelling comeback against Ben Shelton on Wednesday (when Zverev was surprisingly flat in his straight-sets defeat by Jannik Sinner), and he took out Zverev in the US Open third round in August. Plus, conditions are faster in Turin than at Flushing Meadows, which works even more in AA’s favour.
If Zverev holds back, as he did against Sinner, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his stinging serves and fearhands, it could well be the 25-year-old Canadian – the former prodigy who was once in line ahead of Alcaraz and Sinner to take over from the Big Three – who earns the dubious honour of facing the world No 1 tomorrow.
Play begins: at about 8.30pm local time, 7.30pm GMT.
To get you going:
