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Introduction

The typical complications of tournament pool play mean at this point of the ATP Finals we’re often left scratching our heads, scrambling about for a mathematical tool and trying to work out the brain-busting permutations of qualification. Yet today's game between Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, mercifully, is simple. It's a direct elimination: the winner sets up a semifinal contest against Carlos Alcaraz at this championship finale; the defeated player is eliminated.

Zverev is the favourite for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has previously won at this competition previously on two instances and holds the advantage in their personal record 6-3, having won both the games they've played on an covered hard surface.

Yet … this type of playing field on which the Canadian has won the majority of his titles, he is in great form after his impressive recovery against Shelton on midweek and he eliminated Zverev in the US Open early stage in August. Furthermore, conditions are faster in Turin than at the US Open venue, which works even more in Auger-Aliassime's favor.

Should Zverev be cautious, like he was against Sinner, and Felix aggressively challenges the European player with his effective service game and bold strategy, it might very well be the North American athlete – the earlier standout who was once in line ahead of the Spanish and Italian stars to take over from the Big Three – who secures the uncertain distinction of playing against the global leader tomorrow.

Action commences: at about 8.30pm local time, 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time.