Defending champion Jannik Sinner capped off a flawless round-robin campaign at the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals on Friday, defeating American Ben Shelton 6–3, 7–6(3) in front of an adoring home crowd inside Turin’s Inalpi Arena. The world No. 2, already assured of the top spot in the Björn Borg Group, showcased his trademark poise to extend his remarkable indoor hard-court winning streak to 29 matches.
Jannik Sinner Remains Unbeaten
Sinner, who has not dropped a set at the tournament since 2022, overcame a shaky serving day but remained sharp in the biggest moments- saving Shelton’s lone break point and outclassing the big-hitting American in the second-set tie-break.
“When you come here and win all three round-robin matches, you have to play at a very high level, which I’ve done,” Sinner said. “Serving very well in important moments has brought me to this point. It was a very special day playing in front of the home crowd… My mental aspect has been great until now, so let’s see what’s coming.”
The victory sets up a semifinal showdown on Saturday with Alex de Minaur, who secured second place in the Jimmy Connors Group with a gritty win over Taylor Fritz. Despite holding a dominant 12–0 record over the Australian, Sinner warned against complacency.
“I have to be very careful- he doesn’t have a lot to lose,” Sinner said. “Props to him for coming back with that performance. It’s going to be very difficult.”
Auger-Aliassime Breaks Through With First Semi-Final Berth
The evening session delivered more drama as Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated two-time ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev 6–4, 7–6(4) in a winner-takes-all battle for the group’s second semifinal spot. In a match marked by 55 unforced errors between the two players, Auger-Aliassime held firm in pressure moments, saving several break points and converting key opportunities late in each set.
For the 24-year-old Canadian, the triumph marks his first semifinal appearance at the year-end championships- and caps a stellar indoor season that now includes 19 wins in 24 matches.
“You want to be in the final, but I’ll have to go through a great player to do that,” Auger-Aliassime said. He will face newly crowned year-end world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who swept the Jimmy Connors Group and was presented with the ATP year-end No. 1 trophy on Friday afternoon.
Zverev, meanwhile, leaves Turin frustrated after failing to convert any of his 11 break points across his losses to Sinner and Auger-Aliassime. Several crucial errors, including a missed routine volley at 5–4 in the opening set, proved costly.
Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz Secures Year-End World No. 1 Ranking
Clash of the Titans Looms
With Sinner and Alcaraz both advancing, a blockbuster championship showdown remains firmly in play should each win his semifinal. The pair have dominated the 2025 season and continue to build one of the sport’s most compelling rivalries.
For now, though, all eyes turn to Saturday’s semifinals:
- Jannik Sinner (2) vs. Alex de Minaur (7)
- Carlos Alcaraz (1) vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime (8)
Sinner, chasing a second straight ATP Finals crown and his third consecutive final appearance, remains the tournament’s most imposing force. But with de Minaur in resurgent form and Auger-Aliassime playing some of the best tennis of his career, the final weekend in Turin promises high drama.
