Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime booked a spot in the semi-finals of the ATP Finals for the first time in his career after defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the final round-robin match of the Bjorn Borg Group. The victory sets up a tantalizing semi-final showdown against world number one Carlos Alcaraz.

Auger-Aliassime Holds Nerve in Must-Win Match

In a tense encounter marked by 55 unforced errors, Auger-Aliassime maintained his composure when it mattered most. Despite Zverev, a two-time champion, creating four break-point opportunities, he failed to convert any, while Auger-Aliassime’s steady serve and calm approach propelled him to a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory.

“This is the grand finale, and when you see the list of champions it’s pretty much just world number ones,” said Auger-Aliassime. “You want to be in finals. I’m going to have to go through a great player, but I’m going to take my chance if I have it.”

This win marks Auger-Aliassime’s 19th victory in 24 indoor hard-court matches in 2025, including titles in Brussels and Montpellier. However, the Canadian faces a daunting task against Alcaraz, whom he has not defeated since 2022.

Zverev Frustrated by Missed Opportunities

Zverev began strongly, dropping only three points in his first four service games, but a series of errors—including a missed volley at deuce in the 10th game—allowed Auger-Aliassime to take the first set. The second set remained tight, with four consecutive games going to deuce. Auger-Aliassime ultimately secured the set in a tie-break, capitalizing on a fatigued forehand error from Zverev at match point.

For Zverev, the loss marked a frustrating end to his campaign, following an earlier straight-set defeat to Jannik Sinner where he squandered seven break points.

Sinner Maintains Clinical Form

Meanwhile, defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his dominant run in Turin. The Italian maintained a perfect record in the round-robin stage by defeating Ben Shelton 6-3 7-6 (7-3), extending his winning streak to 13 matches. Sinner has yet to drop a set or service game and saved all eight break points he has faced this tournament.

Sinner, targeting a third consecutive appearance in the ATP Finals final, will face Alex de Minaur in the semi-finals. Despite a flawless head-to-head record of 12-0, Sinner is wary of the Australian, who earned his semi-final spot by upsetting Taylor Fritz to finish second in the Jimmy Connors Group.

“I’m very happy for [De Minaur],” Sinner said. “Props to him for coming back with that performance. It’s one of the best matches I’ve seen him play. I have to be very careful – he doesn’t have a lot to lose. It’s going to be very difficult.”

Doubles: British Prowess Continues

In doubles action, Henry Patten and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara defeated Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic 7-6 (7-5) 6-2, ensuring five British players advance to the semi-finals—the highest number from one nation since 1992. Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski maintained a perfect record with a 7-5 6-3 win and will meet fellow Brits Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool in the semis, highlighting Britain’s growing prominence in doubles competition.