Jannik Sinner advanced to the ATP Finals semifinals on Wednesday after a convincing 6-4, 6-3 victory over Alexander Zverev, securing his spot from the Bjorn Borg group with one match remaining.
World No. 1 Sinner aims to defend his title at this prestigious event and smoothly reached the semifinals, delighting the Turin crowd.
The 24-year-old faced challenges early on, dealing with a hand issue, but still managed to overpower Zverev for the fifth consecutive time.
Zverev last defeated Sinner at the 2023 US Open and was overwhelmed by the Italian in the Paris Masters semifinals. Once again, the German struggled against the four-time Grand Slam winner.
Sinner dominated with his serve, delivering 12 aces, and after clinching the first set with his third break point in game 10, he maintained control.
“Today’s match came down to a few points,” Sinner told reporters. “Those could have easily turned the score around. You never know.”
Zverev needed a straight-sets win to reach the semifinals but now must defeat Felix Auger-Aliassime on Friday after the Canadian’s 4-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5 win over Ben Shelton.
Zverev appeared frustrated on the court, unable to capitalize on seven break points, making unforced forehand errors, and distracted by a flashing sign.
“I hope to face him again this week,” Zverev remarked. “He’s not unbeatable. I had many chances, but he capitalized on his. That’s why he’s the world No. 1.”
Sinner will next face Shelton, aiming to lead the group and face the second-place finisher in the Jimmy Connors Group, currently led by rival Carlos Alcaraz.
Aggressive Auger-Aliassime
Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime secured his second-ever win at this season-ending tournament with a resilient performance, boosting his semifinal hopes.
“I played aggressively, hitting well on both backhand and forehand,” Auger-Aliassime told Sky Sport. “It paid off in the end.”
Auger-Aliassime’s strong service game, with nine aces, eventually overpowered Shelton, whose inconsistency cost him a debut win at the Finals.
Showing no signs of the calf issue from his loss to Sinner, the 25-year-old now faces Zverev with a chance to advance.
“It’s a learning curve,” Shelton explained. “Different tournament, atmosphere, format, and top players.”
Shelton appeared in control after winning the first set, breaking Auger-Aliassime’s serve twice, but his advantage slipped in the tight second set, eventually losing in a tie-break.
Auger-Aliassime clinched the match on his third match point, breaking Shelton in a decisive set.
