Jannik Sinner defeats Felix Auger-Aliassime
The defending champ walked into a charged Inalpi Arena and left with a tidy 7‑5, 6‑1 to open his ATP Finals campaign. The first set was a proper tug: Sinner probing, Félix dodging break points, the Italian finally breaking in game 12 as the Canadian began feeling his left calf. From there Sinner hit cruise control—no break points faced, first‑serve numbers sparkling, and the same take‑the‑ball‑early confidence that’s made him the house favorite. “It was a very tough match until 6‑5… winning the first match is very important in this format,” Sinner said.
.jpg){kind=link}
Sinner rolls past Auger‑Aliassime to open his defense
The context matters: this wasn’t just Sinner holding serve against an ailing opponent; it was Sinner looking like Sinner—balanced aggression, deep red‑line returns, and the calm that comes from months of winning indoors. Auger‑Aliassime took treatment for that calf and gamely finished, but Sinner’s level made the second set academic. The victory keeps the Year‑End No.1 race alive; the Italian still has a path to pip Alcaraz if results break his way over the next 72 hours. Turin loves a storyline, and it now has two: local hero defending champion, and the crown for the calendar year. Nitto ATP Finals
First Ball Forehand Match Point: When Sinner lands first serves and camps on the baseline, rallies shrink—and so do opponents’ options. Nitto ATP Finals