SF Preview: Sinner Faces De Minaur, Alcaraz Takes on Auger-Aliassime at Nitto ATP Finals
The knockout rounds kick off in Turin
November 15, 2025
ATP
Jannik Sinner remains undefeated, boasting a flawless 12-0 record against Alex de Minaur in their Lexus ATP Head2Head encounters.
By Arthur Kapetanakis
As the dramatic round-robin stages of the Nitto ATP Finals wrap up, the knockout phase is set to ignite with captivating semi-final matchups in Turin.
Carlos Alcaraz has secured the Year-End No. 1 title, completing a perfect 3-0 in the group stage. However, two more victories are essential for him to cap off an extraordinary season. Awaiting him in the semi-finals is Felix Auger-Aliassime, who triumphed over Alexander Zverev in a critical win-or-go-home situation.
Jannik Sinner’s hopes for dethroning Alcaraz hinge on his upcoming performance against Alex de Minaur. The Italian, who has also completed a 3-0 group stage, is keen to defend his title at the Nitto ATP Finals.
In doubles action, top seeds Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool prepare for an all-British clash against Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury, while Italians Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori face Harri Heliovaara and Henry Patten.
[2] Jannik Sinner (ITA) vs. [7] Alex de Minaur (AUS)
Sinner secured his semi-final spot earlier, while De Minaur faced a nail-biting conclusion after defeating Taylor Fritz 7-6(3), 6-3. Alcaraz’s victory over Musetti ensured De Minaur’s progression after a rough loss against Musetti just days before.
De Minaur’s latest triumph has been a morale boost following a tough week. “I’ve had a fair share of heartbreak recently, so it feels great to finally win here in Turin,” he said, reflecting on his first Top 10 victory outside of team events. “Hard work deserves some recognition, and I’m thrilled with my performance.”
Even Sinner expressed admiration for De Minaur’s resilience: “Losing like that can sting, so I respect him for bouncing back,” the Italian remarked after his own victory against Ben Shelton. “I must be cautious because he has little to lose while I have a lot at stake.”
Both players enter the semi-finals with renewed energy. Sinner is particularly motivated after reclaiming the World No. 1 spot briefly before being dethroned by Alcaraz. The defending champion has pulled off a remarkable feat, advancing through the group stage without losing a single set for the second consecutive year.
“Winning all three matches here confirms my high level of play,” Sinner noted. “Strong serving at critical moments has brought me to this stage.” He successfully defended against all eight break points faced in the tournament.
De Minaur, who managed to break serve twice in each of his group matchups, aims to earn his first victory against Sinner after 12 encounters.
The two first clashed at the 2019 Next Gen ATP Finals, and after three meetings this season, their showdown at the Nitto ATP Finals marks the second consecutive year they will face off in this prestigious event.
[1] Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) vs. [8] Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN)
With the World No. 1 title already in his grasp, Alcaraz is now focused on clinching his first Nitto ATP Finals championship. He has reached the semi-finals, matching his best performance from his 2023 debut.
Securing his spot in the knockout rounds was vital for Alcaraz, as a loss would have jeopardized his ranking atop the PIF ATP Rankings. “The Year-End No. 1 carries significant weight for me,” he admitted, alleviating tension after a crucial win over Musetti.
To elevate his season total to nine tour-level titles, Alcaraz needs to win two more knockout matches. His previous record was six titles in 2023.
Facing him is Auger-Aliassime, whom Alcaraz aims to beat for the fifth consecutive time. Their previous encounters saw Alcaraz dominate, winning all nine sets played against the Canadian in 2023 and 2024.
Auger-Aliassime recently overcame Zverev in what was effectively a quarter-final, advancing to the semis for the first time. He expressed his excitement about this high-stakes tournament, admitting, “It’s an event where all champions want their name engraved, but I need to get through a formidable opponent to reach the finals.”
Doubles Action
In doubles, the British duo of Cash and Glasspool secured their semi-final place after a thrilling victory against Granollers and Zeballos. They are set to clash with fellow countrymen Salisbury and Skupski, both previous No. 1s in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings, striving for the perfect close to their inaugural season as a pair.
The other semi-final features Italian favorites Bolelli and Vavassori battling against Heliovaara and Patten, who claimed a spot after a decisive win over Arevalo and Pavic. Having reached the semi-finals last year, both teams are eager to make an impact again.
