Sinner opens ATP finals title defence with win over Auger-Aliassime
TURIN, Italy: Italy’s Jannik Sinner made a commanding start to his ATP Finals title defence, defeating injury-hit Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-5, 6-1 in their round-robin clash at a packed Inalpi Arena on Monday.
Meeting for the fourth time since August—and just eight days after their last encounter—Sinner once again proved too strong, growing into the match before overwhelming his opponent. Auger-Aliassime required medical attention during the second set as Sinner took full control.
With the victory, Sinner extended his remarkable indoor hardcourt winning streak to 27 matches, his last defeat on the surface coming against Novak Djokovic in the 2023 ATP Finals final.
The world No. 4 is also locked in a year-end No. 1 battle with Carlos Alcaraz. To claim the top spot, Sinner must retain his Turin crown, while Alcaraz can seal the honour by winning two more matches following his opening-round success.
