Jannik Sinner Dominates ATP Finals with Win Against Felix Auger-Aliassime

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a compelling display, Italy’s Jannik Sinner decisively began his ATP Finals title defense by defeating Canadian player Felix Auger-Aliassime with a score of 7-5, 6-1 during their round-robin match at Turin's Inalpi Arena. The match, witnessed by an enthusiastic local crowd, showcased Sinner’s determination to defend the title he earned last year.

This match marked the fourth encounter between the two athletes since August and occurred just a week after their previous clash. Familiarity didn’t alter the outcome, as Sinner once again emerged victorious. Although Sinner took a moment to find his rhythm, he eventually dominated, compelling Auger-Aliassime to exert considerable effort to remain in the game.

Beginning on the offensive, Sinner held his serve to love right out of the gate. He surrendered only three points throughout the first set, crafting five break point opportunities thanks to his stunning baseline shots. Auger-Aliassime saved four of those chances with impressive serves, scoring eight aces compared to Sinner’s one. Nevertheless, the Italian broke through at 6-5, clinching the set and igniting cheers from the crowd.

In the second set, Auger-Aliassime faltered, struggling due to a left calf injury. He called for a medical timeout early in the set, which allowed Sinner to seize control. “I hope it’s nothing too serious,” Sinner expressed post-match, showing concern for his rival. The injury clearly impaired the Canadian’s movement, hampering his ability to match Sinner’s relentless pace.

Sinner took full advantage of this setback, racing to a 3-0 lead in the second set. He exhibited remarkable composure, blending deep groundstrokes with clever drop shots to keep the audience engaged. Although Auger-Aliassime tried to fend off break points, Sinner ultimately broke his serve yet again, finishing the match in slightly under 90 minutes with a powerful ace.

This victory not only marked another win but also extended Sinner’s indoor hardcourt winning streak to an impressive 27 matches—dating back to 2023. His last defeat on indoor surfaces was against Novak Djokovic during the ATP Finals final of that year. This outstanding form emphasizes Sinner’s status as a serious contender on the ATP Tour and reinforces his standing among the top indoor players globally.

Sinner is now focused on maintaining this momentum as he prepares to vie with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz for the world number one ranking. To finish the year as the top player, Sinner must defend his title successfully, while Alcaraz requires only two more wins following his initial victory. The rivalry between these two young athletes has emerged as a significant highlight of the season, adding to the excitement of the ATP Finals.

The Italian crowd played a vital role in boosting Sinner’s morale throughout the match, with enthusiastic applause for every successful shot. “Winning the first match is so crucial in this format. I’m glad to start strong in front of such an amazing audience,” Sinner remarked. His confidence was palpable as he thoroughly enjoyed the rhythm of the match, interacting with fans and smiling between points.

In the same group, Germany’s Alexander Zverev initiated his campaign with a solid 6-3, 7-6(6) victory over American Ben Shelton on Sunday. The four competitors in the Bjorn Borg Group—Sinner, Zverev, Shelton, and Auger-Aliassime—will compete against each other in a round-robin format, with the top two moving on to the semifinals.

Tuesday’s action will shift to the Jimmy Connors Group, highlighting Carlos Alcaraz’s matchup against last year’s finalist Taylor Fritz, both seeking their second wins. Additionally, Italian talent Lorenzo Musetti will take on Australia’s Alex de Minaur. As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate potential high-stakes matches that could impact the end-of-year rankings.

Following the match, Sinner shared his thoughts on his performance and aspirations for the remainder of the week. “It was a challenging match until 6-5,” he stated. “He played aggressively, but I’m pleased I was able to stay composed and stick to my game plan. Winning the first match is a significant advantage in this setup.”

With his initial challenge overcome, Sinner appears poised for another deep run in Turin, aiming to conclude 2025 as the world’s top-ranked player—a goal that seems well within reach.