Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
In a stellar opening to his ATP Finals title defense, Jannik Sinner of Italy triumphed over Canadian ace Felix Auger-Aliassime with a score of 7-5, 6-1 during their round-robin face-off at the Inalpi Arena, Turin. The young star showcased confidence and skill, establishing his intent to retain the title he secured last year in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
This marked their fourth encounter since August, happening just a week after their previous match. Familiarity didn’t deter Sinner, who took some time to find his rhythm but quickly put the pressure on Auger-Aliassime, pushing him to defend frequently and leverage his serve to maintain competitiveness.
Sinner began the match by holding serve to love in the very first game and conceded only three points on serve throughout the first set. He had five break point chances due to his aggressive baseline shots, while Auger-Aliassime relied heavily on his serve, hitting eight aces versus just one from Sinner. Despite saving four break points, the Canadian eventually succumbed at 6-5, giving Sinner the first set amidst a crescendo of cheers from the crowd.
Auger-Aliassime’s resolve dwindled in the second set, exacerbated by a left calf injury that needed early medical attention. Sinner, expressing hopes for his opponent's speedy recovery, seized control of the match as the Canadian struggled to respond to the intense pace and relentless assault from the Italian.
Taking advantage of the situation, Sinner surged to a 3-0 lead in the second set, displaying remarkable poise with a mix of deep shots and cleverly timed drop shots that kept the spectators on their feet. Auger-Aliassime managed to save a handful of break points, but Sinner's momentum proved insurmountable, sealing his victory with a powerful ace after just under 90 minutes.
With this performance, Sinner has now extended his indoor hardcourt winning streak to 27 matches, a remarkable feat since his last defeat on indoor surfaces came against Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals final of 2023. This incredible form underscores Sinner's emerging status as a leading contender on the ATP Tour and highlights his prowess as one of the premier indoor players globally.
Looking ahead, Sinner is set to maintain his momentum as he vies with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz for the world number one rank. To close out the year on top, Sinner must successfully defend his title in Turin, while Alcaraz seeks two more wins after his initial victory. This rivalry has emerged as one of the principal narratives of the season, raising anticipation around the ATP Finals.
The enthusiastic Italian crowd significantly uplifted Sinner's spirits throughout the match, as cheers erupted with each winner and ace. Sinner acknowledged this support, remarking, “Winning the first match holds great significance in this format. I’m thrilled to start strong in front of such an amazing audience.” His poise was evident, as he engaged with fans while savoring the rhythm of his performance.
Meanwhile, in another match within the same group, Germany’s Alexander Zverev began his campaign with a solid 6-3, 7-6(6) victory against American Ben Shelton. The Bjorn Borg Group includes Sinner, Zverev, Shelton, and Auger-Aliassime, who will all compete in a round-robin format, with the top two players advancing to the semifinals.
Upcoming matches will see action shift to the Jimmy Connors Group on Tuesday, featuring Carlos Alcaraz against last year’s finalist Taylor Fritz, both aiming for their second triumph, alongside Italian prospect Lorenzo Musetti facing Australia’s Alex de Minaur. Fans eagerly anticipate potential high-stakes matchups that could influence year-end rankings as the tournament unfolds.
After his victory, Sinner reflected on his performance and aspirations for the week, stating, “It was a tough match until 6-5. He played aggressively, but I’m pleased I remained calm and executed my strategy. Starting strong with a win in this format is a significant advantage.”
With the first hurdle cleared, Sinner seems poised for another deep run in Turin, aiming to conclude 2025 atop the world rankings—a goal that now feels tantalizingly close.
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