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Preamble

The typical complications of round-robin tennis mean during this phase of the season-ending championships fans frequently find themselves scratching our heads, searching around for a mathematical tool and attempting to calculate the brain-busting permutations of qualification. However this evening's contest between Alexander Zverev and Auger-Aliassime, fortunately, is easy. It’s a straight shootout: the winner earns a final four battle against Carlos Alcaraz at this championship finale; the unsuccessful competitor heads out.

The German is the frontrunner for this: the world No 3 is the more accomplished player, has previously won at this tournament on two prior occasions and holds the advantage in their personal record 6-3, securing victories in both their past encounters on an enclosed hard court.

But … this is the surface on which Felix has secured most of his championships, he is in great form after his remarkable turnaround against Shelton on recently and he took out the German in the US Open third round in August. Additionally, conditions are faster in the host city than at Flushing Meadows, which provides an additional advantage in AA’s benefit.

If Zverev holds back, similar to his performance against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the German with his effective service game and confident shots, there is a strong chance the 25-year-old Canadian – the former prodigy who was previously positioned in front of the younger champions to take over from the legendary trio – who earns the uncertain distinction of facing the global leader tomorrow.

Play begins: at about 8.30pm local time, 7.30pm GMT.