Felix Auger-Aliassime prevails in North American battle at ATP Finals, keeping semi-final chances alive

The meeting of the losers of the first match in Turin in the “Bjorn Borg” group was the second straight match between Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian had won their only previous match at Roland Garros 2024, on a less opponent-friendly surface.

And this time the sharp needle of the prediction pointed to the Canadian, who has 8 ATP titles, 7 of which are on indoor hard. The beginning of the match belonged to Ben, however, with a break made quickly to distance himself to 3-1, then to 5-2. The American served a little with the first ball, but was quick, averaging 210 km/h, and effective.

For his part, Auger-Aliassime shook off the disappointment of losing the previous match, against Jannik Sinner, in which he played a good chunk of time injured. It came close at 4-5, a jolt of pride and efficiency, but Ben eventually prevailed 6-4.

They had both settled down in the match, certain adjustments had to be made, and the second set avoided not only the breaks, but more than that, it contained a unique chance to impose itself on the return, in front of Felix. A bit tense in the first part, the Canadian's tennis visibly loosened up, while the American escaped several errors. Only the tie-break could differentiate them, this one having a passionate unfolding.

238 km/hhad the fastest serve of the match by Ben Shelton, while Felix Auger-Aliassime's top was 215

Felix Auger-Aliassime, strong nerves in the decider

Auger led 5-2, then had set points at 6-4, again at 7-6, converting the one at 8-7 and sending the match into the decider. Where the scenario from the second act repeated itself: an alert balance between the protagonists, two break chances for the Canadian at 1-2 and again overtime.

A palpable tension, to which Ben succumbed at 5-6, on the opponent's third match chance. Unchaining the winner, after two hours and 26 minutes in which he perfectly camouflaged his feelings, shows how much victory means to Felix.

Look at what it means 😤@felixtennis keeps his hopes alive in Turin with a brilliant comeback victory over Shelton in the Bjorn Borg Group! #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/ILQ2TdQOdT

— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 12, 2025

“It was a rollercoaster, we both gave it our all, there were fine edges in sets two and three” said the winner immediately after the match. “I respect Ben, it was an incredible battle and I'm glad I won it“, he added.

The Canadian comes after a good period, with the title at Brusselsfinal in the Masters 1000 from Paris and “quarters” to Shanghai and Basel. He is participating in the ATP Finals for the second time, after 2022, when he won against Rafael Nadal.

From the “Bjorn Borg” group, the second round of matches brings face to face with Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverevwinners of the first games. The Italian can qualify from tonight if he wins, regardless of the score, while the German cannot do it, he will have to wait for the next duel.