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Preamble

The inherent challenges of group stage tennis mean at this point of the season-ending championships fans frequently find themselves puzzled, searching around for a computing device and striving to determine the complex qualification scenarios. However tonight’s match between Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is simple. It’s a straight shootout: the winner earns a semifinal matchup against Alcaraz at this championship finale; the loser heads out.

The German is the frontrunner for this: the third-ranked player is the player with greater achievements, has claimed the title at this competition twice before and holds the advantage in their personal record with six victories against three defeats, having won both their past encounters on an enclosed hard court.

But … this is the surface on which the Canadian has won most of his championships, he’s riding a high after his impressive recovery against Shelton on recently and he defeated Zverev in the US Championships initial phase in late summer. Plus, the court pace is quicker in Turin than at the US Open venue, which is even more beneficial in AA’s favour.

If Zverev holds back, like he was against Sinner, and the Canadian presses the German with his powerful serves and bold strategy, there is a strong chance the 25-year-old Canadian – the earlier standout who was earlier slated in front of Alcaraz and Sinner to replace the legendary trio – who earns the dubious honour of facing the world No 1 the next day.

The match starts: at about 8.30pm local time, 7.30pm GMT.