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Preamble

The inherent challenges of round-robin tennis often result in by this stage of the season-ending championships we’re often left puzzled, scrambling about for a calculator and attempting to calculate the complex qualification scenarios. However tonight’s match between Alexander Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is easy. It's a direct elimination: the victor sets up a final four battle against Carlos Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the loser is eliminated.

Zverev is the favourite for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has been the champion at this competition on two prior occasions and holds the advantage in their personal record with six victories against three defeats, having won both their previous matches on an indoor hard court.

However … this particular court on which Felix has secured the majority of his titles, he is full of confidence after his impressive recovery against Shelton on recently and he defeated the German in the US Open initial phase in August. Additionally, conditions are faster in Turin than at the US Open venue, which provides an additional advantage in the Canadian's benefit.

If Zverev holds back, similar to his performance against the Italian, and Felix aggressively challenges the German with his stinging serves and fearless play, it might very well be the 25-year-old Canadian – the earlier standout who was previously positioned before the younger champions to replace the legendary trio – who secures the dubious honour of playing against the global leader the next day.

Play begins: at approximately 8:30 PM in Turin, 7.30pm GMT.