The round-robin phase of the ATP Finals in Turin culminates today with the final matches of the Bjorn Borg Group. While one spot in the semi-finals is secured, the other will be decided in a winner-takes-all showdown. These are our betting predictions for Sinner vs Shelton and Auger-Aliassime vs Zverev at the ATP finals.
Jannik Sinner vs Ben Shelton
- Time: 2:00 PM (CET)
- Significance: This is a dead rubber as far as the semi-finals are concerned. Jannik Sinner has already secured the top spot in the group with a flawless 2-0 record, while Ben Shelton is mathematically eliminated at 0-2.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner has been in sensational form, extending his indoor hard court winning streak to 28 consecutive matches and securing his semi-final spot without dropping a set so far. This match is about maintaining his perfect record, defending the full points available to an undefeated champion and of course building momentum for the knockout stage.
For American debutant Ben Shelton, though eliminated, there is still pride and ranking position to play for, specifically, the chance to finish the year as American No. 1. Shelton has shown flashes of his explosive talent, but his form has not been 100% since that shoulder issue at the US Open.
Head-to-Head (H2H): Sinner leads the head-to-head 7-1, winning the last seven encounters and the last 17 consecutive sets against Shelton.
Predictions for Sinner v Shelton
Expect Sinner to remain ruthlessly consistent, showing us his exceptional returning and movement on the fast indoor surface. Shelton’s primary weapon, his serve, will need to be at its peak to push the Italian, especially since Sinner has proven to be one of the best returners on the Tour.
While his overall concentration might lack a bit at times, as he already won the group, he still wants to win this one and he should. For me he’s a huge favourite to close out the round-robin stage with another straight-sets victory. Sinner in two sets.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Alexander Zverev
- Time: 8:30 PM (CET)
- Significance: This is the decisive clash: a winner-takes-all battle for the second semi-final spot in the Bjorn Borg Group. The winner advances to the final four to face Carlos Alcaraz, while the loser is eliminated.
Knockout Tennis for the Last Semi-Final Spot
Zverev started with a straight-sets win over Shelton followed by an expected defeat to Sinner. The German was left ruing missed opportunities against Jannik, failing to convert any of his seven break points. The two-time ATP Finals champion must quickly put that disappointment behind him and focus on replicating the high level of his opening match.
Auger-Aliassime kept his hopes alive with a three-set comeback victory over Shelton, defying earlier injury concerns. The Canadian is a phenomenal indoor hard court player and has been on a strong late-season run. He has already become the player with the most indoor hard-court matches this decade.
Head-to-Head (H2H): Zverev holds the advantage at 6-3 overall, including both of their previous indoor hard court meetings. However, Auger-Aliassime won their most recent clash at the US Open in a four-set battle.
Predictions for Auger-Aliassime vs Zverev
This will be a close match and one not to miss! The tennis bookmakers have Zverev as slight favorite at around 1.55 (-175).
The first-serve percentage will be important and also to be clinical on big points, something Zverev was lacking vs Sinner.
Apart from the backhand, the Canadian has been a better overall player as of late and he loves this indoor surface. Against Sinner we saw a lot of the high level in his game. If his calf issues are 100% clear (which it seems) I’m going with a 3 set win for Auger-Aliassime today.
