TURIN, Italy — Before a supportive audience, Jannik Sinner commenced his title defense at the ATP Finals successfully, achieving a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Monday.
To secure the year-end No. 1 ranking, Sinner must triumph in the season-concluding event featuring the top eight players and rely on Carlos Alcaraz not advancing to the final.
Auger-Aliassime, ranked No. 8, showed signs of being hampered by a left calf issue that surfaced towards the conclusion of the first set. He received treatment from a trainer on two occasions during the second set.
“It was exceedingly difficult up to 6-5, after which he encountered a physical problem,” Sinner stated, alluding to when he broke the Canadian’s serve to conclude the first set.
Sinner captured the title in Turin in the prior year without conceding a set and has not experienced defeat at the event since the 2023 final against Novak Djokovic.
A sign was displayed within the audience, designating Sinner as “Italian pride,” and Sinner was celebrated with a soccer-inspired chant of “Ole, ole, ole. Sin-ner, Sin-ner” during his post-match interview on the court.
“It’s a distinguished competition and setting for me,” he expressed.
Sinner has been victorious in all four of his encounters with Auger-Aliassime in the current year, encompassing a US Open semifinal and the recent Paris Masters final.
Sinner and Alexander Zverev are at the forefront of the Bjorn Borg group, each possessing one win following Zverev’s triumph over Ben Shelton on Sunday.
The leading two competitors in each group proceed to the semifinals.
Sinner secured 89% of the points when he successfully executed his first serve, amassing 32 of those 36 points.
“I am part of a challenging group, featuring individuals who possess exceptionally strong serves,” Sinner commented. “It is essential to maintain focus throughout the entire match, as recovering from conceding a break is arduous.”
In contrast to Musetti, who was making his inaugural appearance, Fritz possesses prior experience in the tournament, having reached the final in the preceding year and the semifinals during his debut in 2022. He had also dedicated the past week to preparation on the indoor court.
“Securing this win is crucial, particularly if I aim to progress beyond the group stage,” Fritz stated. “His playing style, incorporating slices and other elements, is quite distinct. Consequently, it took a period of adjustment for me.
“I successfully prevented an early break in the match when he presented some opportunities. Subsequently, I believe I integrated into the match more effectively. … I felt that I performed commendably.”
Musetti was a recent substitute for Djokovic, who withdrew due to a shoulder injury sustained after defeating the Italian in the Athens final on Saturday. Musetti’s arrival in Turin occurred only on Sunday, and he was unable to capitalize on the backing of his local supporters.
“I was unable to perform at my peak condition, particularly physically,” Musetti remarked. “Mentally, I am exceedingly pleased to be present. I am immensely proud of myself, my team, and our accomplishments. Today, I endeavored to compete with the resources I had at my disposal.”
Fritz and Alcaraz are at the top of the Jimmy Connors group, each holding one win, while Alex de Minaur and Musetti trail with one loss each.
On Tuesday, Fritz is scheduled to compete against Alcaraz, and Musetti is set to face de Minaur.
