TURIN, Italy — Felix Auger-Aliassime beat two-time champion Alexander Zverev and claimed the final spot within the semifinals of the ATP Finals on Friday.
The Canadian’s reward? Carlos Alcaraz, who’s contemporary from claiming the year-end No. 1 rating after profitable all three of his group matches.
“This can be a excessive worth match for gamers,” Auger-Aliassime mentioned. “It is like a grand finale and if you take a look on the listing of champions, there have been many No. 1s.
Editor’s Picks
“You need to be within the remaining however I am going to must undergo an ideal participant to try this. I’ll take my probability if I’ve it.”
The eighth-seeded Auger-Aliassime gained 6-4, 7-6 (4) to affix Jannik Sinner in advancing from the Bjorn Borg group. Earlier, Sinner accomplished a sweep of his round-robin matches by dispatching already-eliminated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (3).
Sinner will subsequent face seventh-seeded Alex de Minaur. The ultimate is on Sunday.
Third-seeded Zverev and Auger-Aliassime knew the victor would advance to the semifinals.
Auger-Aliassime appeared to take care of the nerves higher than Zverev, particularly within the second set, though he wasted three set factors within the opener, earlier than taking it on his fourth.
Zverev did not convert any of his 4 break level alternatives and made 18 of his 27 unforced errors within the second set, throughout which he repeatedly gestured in the direction of his crew in obvious frustration.
He despatched a straightforward return into the web at hand Auger-Aliassime two match factors. The Canadian wanted just one as Zverev hit a forehand lengthy.
It will likely be Auger-Aliassime’s first look within the semifinals of the season-ending occasion for the highest eight gamers.
“It feels superb,” he mentioned. “I at all times believed that I might be in these moments, that I might win these kind of matches however you continue to must to come back and do it.
“Immediately was excessive in feelings I feel for each of us … and I performed good once I wanted to … I am blessed and so, so completely satisfied to be within the semifinals.”
After seeing Alcaraz raise the trophy for the No. 1 participant shortly earlier than his match, Sinner proved he was nonetheless very a lot the person to beat in Turin.
Cheered on by a vocal dwelling crowd, the defending champion accomplished a spotless group stage. Sinner has not misplaced a set, or service sport, all week. The Italian additionally did not drop a set in his 5 matches final 12 months on his technique to the title.
