Sinner starts with a win at the ATP Finals; Auger-Aliassime, with problems

Sinner Successfully Begins Defense of His Title at the ATP Finals

TURIN, Italy – Jannik Sinner began his title defense at the ATP Finals with a solid victory, defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime with a score of 7-5, 6-1, in front of the home crowd. To secure the number 1 ranking at the end of the year, Sinner needs to win the event that brings together the eight best players and hope that Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t reach the final. Auger-Aliassime, ranked number 8, appeared to be affected by a problem in his left calf that arose near the end of the first set. He received medical attention on two occasions during the second set.

It was very tough until 6-5 and then he had a physical problem.

Sinner

Sinner won the title in Turin last year without losing a set and hasn’t lost in this event since the 2023 final against Novak Djokovic. During the post-match interview, Sinner was cheered with a chant similar to those in soccer: “Ole, ole, ole. Sin-ner, Sin-ner”.

It’s a tournament and a special place for me.

Sinner

Sinner has won all four matches against Auger-Aliassime this year, including a US Open semi-final and the recent Paris Masters final. Sinner and Alexander Zverev lead the Bjorn Borg group with one victory each, after Zverev defeated Ben Shelton on Sunday. The top two teams from each group advance to the semifinals. Sinner won 89% of the points when he put his first serve in play, claiming 32 of those 36 points.

I have a very difficult group, with people who serve very, very strong. You need to stay focused practically the whole match because the moment you concede a break it’s difficult to come back.

Sinner

Fritz Beats Musetti, Newcomer to the Tournament

Previously, Taylor Fritz defeated late replacement Lorenzo Musetti with a score of 6-3, 6-4. Unlike Musetti, who was debuting in the tournament, Fritz has experience, having reached the final last year and the semifinals in his debut in 2022. He also prepared during the previous week on the indoor court.

It’s very important to win, I would say, if I want to get out of the group. He plays quite differently with the cuts and all that. So it took me a while to get used to it. I was able to avoid getting my serve broken at the beginning of the match, when he had some opportunities. Then I feel like I got more into the match. … I think I played very well.

Fritz

Musetti was a late replacement for Djokovic, who withdrew due to a shoulder injury after defeating the Italian in the Athens final on Saturday. Musetti arrived in Turin on Sunday but was unable to take advantage of the support of his home crowd.

I couldn’t be 100% fit, especially physically. Mentally, I am very happy to be here. I am very proud of myself, of my team, of what we achieved. Today, I tried to fight with what I had.

Musetti

Fritz and Alcaraz lead the Jimmy Connors group with one victory each, while Alex de Minaur and Musetti are behind with one defeat each. On Tuesday, Fritz will face Alcaraz and Musetti will face de Minaur.