Jannik Sinner acquired his title defence on the ATP Finals off to a strong begin in entrance of his residence followers with a 7-5 6-1 win over Felix Auger-Aliassime on Monday.
To additionally declare the year-end world No 1 rating, Sinner must win the season-ending occasion for the world’s prime eight gamers and hope Carlos Alcaraz doesn’t attain the ultimate.
Eighth ranked Auger-Aliassime appeared slowed by a left calf situation and was twice handled by the physio in the course of the second set.
Sinner gained the title in Turin final 12 months with out dropping a set and has not misplaced on the occasion for the reason that 2023 last to Novak Djokovic.
This additionally marks Sinner’s fourth win over Auger-Aliassime this 12 months, together with a US Open semi-final and the latest Paris Masters last.
Sinner and Alexander Zverev lead the Bjorn Borg group presently with one win every after the German defeated Ben Shelton on Sunday.
“It was very tough until 6-5 and then he [Auger-Aliassime] had a physical issue,” mentioned Sinner.
“It’s a special tournament and place for me.
“However I’ve a really troublesome group, with individuals who serve actually robust. It’s essential to stay targeted virtually all the match as a result of the second you concede a break it is powerful to return again.”
Fritz stumps late alternative Musetti
Earlier on Monday, Taylor Fritz beat late qualifier Lorenzo Musetti, who was making his debut on the occasion, 6-3, 6-4.
In contrast to Musetti, Fritz has pedigree within the match after reaching the ultimate final 12 months and the semi-finals on debut in 2022.
“A very important one to win I would say if I want to make it out of the group,” Fritz mentioned. “He plays quite different with the slices and everything. So it took me sometime to get used to it.
“I used to be capable of keep away from getting damaged early within the match when he had some possibilities. Then I really feel like I sort of acquired into the match extra. … I believed I performed very well.”
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Highlights as Lorenzo Musetti took on Taylor Fritz of their opening match on the ATP Finals in Turin
Musetti was a late alternative for Djokovic, who withdrew with an injured shoulder after beating the Italian within the Athens last on Saturday. Musetti arrived in Turin solely on Sunday however could not experience his hometown crowd’s assist in contrast to Sinner.
“I couldn’t be at 100 per cent, especially physically,” Musetti mentioned. “Mentally, I’m really glad that I’m here. I’m super proud of myself, of my team, of what we achieved. Today, I tried to fight with what I had.”
Fritz and Alcaraz lead the Jimmy Connors group with one win every, whereas De Minaur and Musetti path with one loss every.
