TURIN, Italy (AP) — Felix Auger-Aliassime beat two-time champion Alexander Zverev and claimed the final spot within the semifinals of the ATP Finals on Friday.
The Canadian’s reward? Carlos Alcaraz, who’s recent from claiming the year-end No. 1 rating after winning all three of his group matches.
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The eighth-seeded Auger-Aliassime gained 6-4, 7-6 (4) to hitch Jannik Sinner in advancing from the Bjorn Borg group. Earlier, Sinner accomplished a sweep of his round-robin matches by dispatching already-eliminated Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (3).
Sinner will subsequent face seventh-seeded Alex de Minaur. The ultimate is on Sunday.
Third-seeded Zverev and Auger-Aliassime knew the victor would advance to the semifinals.
Auger-Aliassime appeared to cope with the nerves higher than Zverev, particularly within the second set, though he wasted three set factors within the opener, earlier than taking it on his fourth.
Zverev didn’t convert any of his 4 break level alternatives and made 18 of his 27 unforced errors within the second set, throughout which he repeatedly gestured in direction of his crew in obvious frustration.
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He despatched a straightforward return into the web handy Auger-Aliassime two match factors. The Canadian wanted just one as Zverev hit a forehand lengthy.
It will likely be Auger-Aliassime’s first look within the semifinals of the season-ending occasion for the highest eight gamers.
Spotless Sinner
After seeing Alcaraz raise the trophy for the No. 1 participant shortly earlier than his match, Sinner proved he was nonetheless very a lot the person to beat in Turin.
Cheered on by a vocal house crowd, the defending champion accomplished a spotless group stage. Sinner has not misplaced a set, or service recreation, all week. The Italian additionally didn’t drop a set in his 5 matches final 12 months on his approach to the title.
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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis
