Auger-Aliassime Beats Zverev to Reach ATP Finals Semis, No. 5 Rank

Felix Auger-Aliassime advanced to the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, on Friday after defeating Alexander Zverev 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) in a crucial group-stage match, securing a career-high ranking of world No. 5 by the end of the 2025 season.

The 25-year-old Canadian, who entered the tournament ranked eighth, needed the victory to progress from the Bjorn Borg Group. Despite committing 55 unforced errors, Auger-Aliassime maintained composure under pressure, relying on strong serving to save break points and using slice shots to disrupt Zverev's rhythm. The first set featured several half-chances for both players, but Auger-Aliassime converted his fourth break-point opportunity to take the lead. The second set remained tight, with neither able to break serve until a tiebreak, where the Canadian's aggressive returns proved decisive.

This result caps a remarkable resurgence for Auger-Aliassime, who started the year ranked 29th. Early successes included ATP 250 titles in Adelaide and Montpellier, plus a final at the Dubai ATP 500. After a mid-season dip, he ignited his form at the Cincinnati Masters in August, reaching the quarterfinals there, the Shanghai Masters...