Defending champion Jannik Sinner began his ATP Finals campaign in commanding fashion, sweeping past an injury-hit Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets on Monday night in Turin.
The world number four delighted the home crowd with a 7-5, 6-1 victory, extending his winning streak over the Canadian just nine days after triumphing against him in the Paris Masters final.
After a competitive first set, Sinner took full control as Auger-Aliassime — struggling with a left calf injury — faded physically. The Italian broke early in the second set to go 3-0 up and never looked back, sealing the win with an ace after one hour and forty-one minutes of play.
“Obviously, winning the first match is very important in this competition and this format,” said 24-year-old Sinner after the game.
“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. He played some very aggressive tennis, so I’m happy to have overcome a very tough test today.
“I hope it‘s nothing too serious,” Sinner added of his rival. “I wish him obviously a very speedy recovery and hopefully he is back to 100 per cent physically.”
The victory marks a confident start for Sinner as he begins the defence of his title, reaffirming his reputation as one of the most in-form players on the ATP Tour.
Earlier in the day, fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti fell 6-3, 6-4 to American Taylor Fritz, dampening hopes of an all-Italian winning start to the tournament.
Sinner, cheered on by a packed Pala Alpitour crowd, will next face Fritz in a match that could determine the early group leader in Turin.
