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Preamble

The occupational hazards of group stage tennis mean during this phase of the ATP Finals viewers are commonly puzzled, searching around for a mathematical tool and attempting to calculate the mind-boggling permutations of qualification. But this evening's contest between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is simple. It’s a straight shootout: the successful player secures a semi-final matchup against Carlos Alcaraz at this year-end tournament; the defeated player is eliminated.

Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the elite athlete is the more experienced competitor, has previously won at this tournament twice before and is ahead in their direct encounters with six victories against three defeats, securing victories in both the games they've played on an enclosed hard court.

However … this particular court on which the Canadian has won the bulk of his trophies, he is full of confidence after his compelling comeback against Shelton on recently and he took out Zverev in the US Open third round in late summer. Additionally, the court pace is quicker in the host city than at the US Open venue, which works even more in the Canadian's favour.

If the German player is reserved, like he was against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his stinging serves and fearless play, it could well be the North American athlete – the one-time phenom who was previously positioned ahead of the Spanish and Italian stars to take over from the tennis icons – who obtains the uncertain distinction of competing with the top-ranked player the next day.

The match starts: at approximately 8:30 PM in Turin, 7:30 PM in the UK.