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Preamble

The inherent challenges of round-robin tennis mean by this stage of the ATP World Tour Finals we’re often left confused, searching around for a computing device and striving to determine the brain-busting permutations of qualification. But today's game between Zverev and Felix Auger-Aliassime, thankfully, is simple. It's a direct elimination: the victor earns a semi-final battle against Alcaraz at this season-ending event; the unsuccessful competitor heads out.

Zverev is the favourite for this: the world No 3 is the player with greater achievements, has previously won at this event twice before and holds the advantage in their personal record 6-3, securing victories in both their previous matches on an indoor hard court.

But … this is the surface on which the Canadian has won the majority of his titles, he’s riding a high after his compelling comeback against Shelton on midweek and he took out Zverev in the US Championships initial phase in late summer. Furthermore, the playing speed is higher in the host city than at the US Open venue, which provides an additional advantage in Auger-Aliassime's favour.

Should Zverev be cautious, like he was against the Italian, and Auger-Aliassime takes it to the European player with his effective service game and bold strategy, there is a strong chance the 25-year-old Canadian – the earlier standout who was once in line in front of the younger champions to replace the legendary trio – who earns the questionable privilege of facing the top-ranked player on Saturday.

The match starts: at about 8.30pm local time, 7:30 PM in the UK.