Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner made a powerful start to his ATP Finals title defense, securing a commanding victory over Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime in their opening round-robin match at Turin's packed Inalpi Arena.
Dominant Performance in Home Territory
The world number two needed just one hour and 26 minutes to complete a 7-5, 6-1 triumph against his struggling opponent on Monday evening. For Filipino viewers, the match took place early Tuesday morning, November 11, 2025.
This marked the fourth encounter between the two players since August, with Sinner continuing his recent dominance over the Canadian. The match began competitively before Sinner's superior form and Auger-Aliassime's physical issues shifted the momentum decisively.
Medical Timeout Disrupts Canadian's Rhythm
The contest took a significant turn when Auger-Aliassime required medical treatment for a left calf problem during the second set. Sinner had already established a 3-0 lead when the Canadian took the timeout, ultimately unable to recover his competitive level.
Sinner expressed concern for his opponent after the match, stating: "I hope it's nothing too serious. I wish him obviously a very speedy recovery and hopefully he is back to 100 percent physically."
The Italian started with clear intent, holding his opening service game to love and conceding only three points on serve throughout the entire first set. His aggressive baseline game produced five break-point opportunities, combining blistering forehands with precise backhands down the line.
Historic Winning Streak Continues
This victory extends Sinner's remarkable unbeaten run on indoor hardcourts to 27 consecutive matches. His last defeat on this surface came against Novak Djokovic in the championship match of the 2023 ATP Finals.
Despite the one-sided scoreline, Auger-Aliassime showed flashes of resistance, particularly in the opening set where he fired eight aces to Sinner's one and saved four break points before finally succumbing.
"It was a very tough match until 6-5. I had some chances to break," Sinner acknowledged. "He played some very aggressive tennis, so I'm happy to overcome a very tough test today. Obviously winning the first match is very important in this competition and this format."
As the match progressed, Sinner grew increasingly confident, mixing delicate drop shots into his repertoire that drew enthusiastic cheers from the home crowd. The Turin faithful rose to their feet as he sealed victory with a perfectly placed ace.
Race for Year-End Number One Intensifies
The ATP Finals outcome carries extra significance in the battle for the year-end world number one ranking. Sinner remains in contention against Spanish rival Carlos Alcaraz, though the Italian must defend his Turin title to have any chance.
Alcaraz, who also won his opening match, can secure the top ranking by winning two more matches in the tournament. The competition format sees all four players in each group facing each other, with the top two advancing to the semifinals.
In other Bjorn Borg Group action, Germany's Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (6). The Jimmy Connors Group matches feature Alcaraz against Taylor Fritz, and Italy's Lorenzo Musetti taking on Australia's Alex de Minaur.
