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Overview

The occupational hazards of group stage tennis often result in at this point of the ATP Finals viewers are commonly confused, searching around for a computing device and trying to work out the brain-busting qualification scenarios. However this evening's contest between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is easy. It's a direct elimination: the winner earns a semifinal matchup against Carlos Alcaraz at this year-end tournament; the loser goes home.

Zverev is the predicted winner for this: the world No 3 is the more experienced competitor, has claimed the title at this competition twice before and is ahead in their direct encounters 6-3, winning both their previous matches on an enclosed hard court.

However … this particular court on which the Canadian has won the bulk of his trophies, he is full of confidence after his impressive recovery against Shelton on Wednesday and he took out Zverev in the US Open initial phase in late summer. Furthermore, the playing speed is higher in the host city than at Flushing Meadows, which works even more in the Canadian's favor.

Should Zverev be cautious, similar to his performance against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the European player with his effective service game and bold strategy, there is a strong chance the young Canadian – the one-time phenom who was once in line ahead of Alcaraz and Sinner to succeed the tennis icons – who earns the uncertain distinction of facing the world No 1 the next day.

The match starts: at about 8.30pm local time, 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time.