Article by Luminița Paul – Published Monday, November 10, 2025, 11:47 p.m. / Updated Monday, November 10, 2025, 11:51 p.m.
World leader Jannik Sinner (24 years old) prevailed 7-5, 6-1 over Felix Auger-Aliassime (25 years old, ATP No. 8), who injured his calf during the “Bjorn Borg” group match at the ATP Finals.
For three years the fates did not bring them face to face, and in 2025 the duels between Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime they flocked, four in number, from August onwards. Cincinnati, the US Open, Paris and now Turin at the ATP Finals, their matches have gained more intensity and intrigue.
8 days after the Arena Defense final, won by the world leader 6-4, 7-6 (4), the Italian and the Canadian played in the “Bjorn Borg” group in the match that concluded the first round of matches at the Tournament of Champions.
“It's a tough way to start a competition, for sure, and this one is different from other tournaments. I start with the toughest challenge, but a win gives you the confidence to go far. If it doesn't go according to plan, so be it. But I will prepare to be better than I was in Paris“, declared Auger-Aliassime before the confrontation.
Jannik Sinner, unperturbed, Felix Auger-Aliassime, injured
And so was the price of almost a set. Balance and gritty play, committed from both. Sinner competitive from the bottom line, hitting quickly and accurately, the Canadian maintaining the offensive flair of late, which has increased the success. They went head to head until 5-5 in the first set, with three break points saved by Felix, while Jannik lost 3 points on his serve.
But then the unpredictable factor intervened: a left calf problem for the Canadianwho lost the game and the set, 5-7, going to the locker room at halftime. His physio, Hugo Gravil, was worried in the box, and the fears were justified.
16Jannik Sinner had winning shots, compared to 17 of the opponent, while the unforced errors ratio was 13-33.
In the end, it took the intervention of the tournament's medical staff, when Auger-Aliassime was heard to describe how she felt a sudden pain. The score was 0-3, he managed to take a game then, he received treatment in the next break, during which Sinner continued his smooth evolution, uninfluenced by the opponent's trouble.
The title holder kept his focus, went short as well, seeing his game and his side of the court. And he made another break, moving away to 5-1. In a short time, he also got his first match ball, capitalizing on it and imposing himself in one hour and 38 minutes.
Sealed with a needle 🎯@janniksin | #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/ygrAlVgb01
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 10, 2025
Jannik Sinner: “If the chance comes, you have to take it”
The Canadian left the arena upset and worried, it remains to be seen if he will be able to continue the tournament. Sinner accompanied him with applause as he left the field and only then opened up, smiled, greeted the audience and wrote “Thank you” on camera.
“It was a very tough match until 6-5, we had some chances and he played very aggressive tennis. I'm glad I passed a difficult test because it's not easy the first match. I wish him a speedy recovery”, said Jannik after the match.
When asked how he kept his focus, he replied that “you have to be mentally consistent, it's also an advantage when the opponent is injured, you have to use it correctly. You don't want to win like that, but if the chance comes, you have to take it“, he concluded.
Matches are scheduled on the third day of the tournament Carlos Alcaraz (2) – Taylor Fritz (6) and Lorenzo Musetti (9) – Alex de Minaur (7) from the band “Jimmy Connors”.
