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New Delhi: Defending champion Jannik Sinner registered a resounding 7-5 6-1 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in ATP Finals round-robin opener at Inalpi Arena in Turin.
In their second meeting in eight days and fourth since August, Italian Sinner was comfortable throughout the match against his Canadian opponent who needed medical attention during the second set for a problem in his left calf.
"I hope it's nothing too serious. I wish him obviously a very speedy recovery and hopefully he is back to 100 percent physically," Sinner said.
Sinner's indoor hardcourt winning streak has now extended to 27 matches with his last defeat on the urface being against Novak Djokovic in the final of 2023 ATP Finals.
Sinner is locked in a battle with Carlos Alcaraz for the year-end world number one position and must win the title in Turin to have any chance while the Spaniard could secure the position by winning two more matches after winning his opening clash.
"It was a very tough match until 6-5. I had some chances to break. He served very well, only once I missed a return, but it can happen," Sinner said.
"He played some very aggressive tennis, so I'm happy to overcome a very tough test today. Obviously winning the first match is very important in this competition and this format."
When asked about facing a physically struggling opponent, Sinner said: "You still have to be very consistent, with a great balance on the court.”
“Especially mentally, it is a bit different, but at the same time it is an advantage. You have to say that. You have to use it in the right way, even if you don’t want it to be like this.”
“He's tough to beat anywhere, especially here. He started off amazing [and] never looked back really. From the first point to the last, he was amazing. Toughest guy to beat here,” Auger-Aliassime said of Sinner.
