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Preamble

The inherent challenges of tournament pool play often result in at this point of the ATP Finals fans frequently find themselves puzzled, hastily looking for a computing device and trying to work out the brain-busting qualification scenarios. However this evening's contest between Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is easy. This is a winner-takes-all affair: the victor secures a semi-final contest against Carlos Alcaraz at this championship finale; the unsuccessful competitor is eliminated.

The German is the frontrunner for this: the world No 3 is the more accomplished player, has claimed the title at this competition twice before and leads their head-to-head 6-3, securing victories in both the games they've played on an enclosed hard court.

Yet … this type of playing field on which Auger-Aliassime has claimed most of his championships, he’s riding a high after his impressive recovery against Shelton on midweek and he defeated the German in the US Open initial phase in late summer. Additionally, conditions are faster in Turin than at the US Open venue, which provides an additional advantage in Auger-Aliassime's benefit.

If Zverev holds back, similar to his performance against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his powerful serves and confident shots, it could well be the young Canadian – the earlier standout who was once in line in front of the younger champions to take over from the legendary trio – who obtains the uncertain distinction of facing the top-ranked player on Saturday.

Action commences: at about 8.30pm local time, 19:30 Greenwich Mean Time.