Zverev Falls to Auger-Aliassime at ATP Finals

A Stunning Upset at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025

In a dramatic match at the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated two-time champion Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6(4) to secure his place in the semi-finals for the first time in his career. The Canadian's victory came after a remarkable turnaround in the group stage, having lost his first three sets of the tournament.

The match showcased the contrasting fortunes of the two players. Zverev, the world No. 3 and a former winner of this prestigious event in 2021, appeared frustrated throughout the encounter, frequently gesturing to his team while struggling for consistency on the Inalpi Arena court where he had previously lifted the trophy.

Key Moments of the Match

Auger-Aliassime demonstrated his growing mental fortitude under pressure, saving break points at 30/40 in both the fifth and ninth games of the first set. The crucial moment came in the tenth game when Zverev dropped his level, allowing the Canadian to clinch the opener despite the German saving three set points from 4-5, 0/40. Auger-Aliassime ultimately sealed the set with a stunning cross-court forehand on his fourth opportunity.

The second set proved to be a nerve-wracking affair, with both players struggling for consistency. Auger-Aliassime, despite having let slip three break points earlier in the set, maintained his composure to deliver a rock-solid performance in the tie-break. From 5/4, he earned consecutive minibreaks via Zverev errors to wrap up a two-hour, seven-minute victory.

"It was a great first set. He was getting a few chances but I came up with big serves to save them," said Auger-Aliassime. "When you have missed opportunities, the match gets a little tense, but I was able to hold serve and in the tie-break it was tight till the end."

Auger-Aliassime's Remarkable Comeback

This victory represents a significant milestone for Auger-Aliassime, who has now won 50 tour-level matches in 2025 according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The Canadian becomes only the second player from his country to reach the ATP Finals semi-finals, following in the footsteps of Milos Raonic in 2016.

"This is a high-value tournament for players," Auger-Aliassime noted. "It's like a grand finale and when you have a look at the list of champions, there have been many No. 1s. You want to be in the final but I'll have to go through a great player to do that. I will take my chance if I have it."

The win completes a clean sweep for Auger-Aliassime against Zverev in 2025, having also prevailed in their third-round meeting at the US Open. However, Zverev still leads their Lexus ATP Head2Head series 6-4.

Zverev's Disappointing Week

For Zverev, the result adds to a challenging week in Turin. The German looked "a little lost" without a clear plan, with his serve being the only aspect of his game firing consistently. According to analysis, Zverev will finish 2025 with less than half the ranking points of world No. 2 Jannik Sinner, highlighting the growing gap between the top players and the rest of the field.

What's Next for the Semi-Finals

With this victory, Auger-Aliassime advances to face world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals, while Jannik Sinner will take on Alex De Minaur. Sinner extended his remarkable run at the tournament by defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(3) to maintain his perfect record in the group stage.

Auger-Aliassime, who has won three ATP Tour titles already in 2025 (Adelaide, Montpellier, and Brussels), is now chasing his fourth trophy of the season. He has accumulated an impressive 85 match wins indoors this decade, five more than second-placed Sinner on that list.

The Canadian will need to elevate his game significantly if he hopes to overcome Alcaraz, having lost four of their last five encounters. However, his recent form and mental growth suggest he could pose a significant challenge to the top seed.