Auger-Aliassime reached the last four with a 6-4 7-6(4) round-robin win over two-times winner Alexander Zverev on Friday and Jannik Sinner extended his indoor hardcourt unbeaten run by beating American Ben Shelton.

Alcaraz clinched ATP year-end no. 1 honours by going 3-0 in group play, but he needs two more wins to secure a perfect end to a career-best season. However, his place in the knockout rounds was secured before his 6-4, 6-1 win Thursday against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.

“It means the world to me, to be honest. The year-end no. 1 is always a goal,” said Alcaraz, who admitted to feeling nerves in the high-stakes match.

‘High-value tournament for players’

It is Auger-Aliassime’s second Nitto ATP finals appearance and the first time he has advanced to the semis. It is also his 50th win of the season.

“This is a high-value tournament for players. The ATP finals is like a grand finale, and when you have a look at the list of champions, there have been many no. 1s. You want to be in the final, but I’ll have to go through a great player to do that. I will take my chance if I have it.”

While Sinner’s semi-final place was secured after his second victory, De Minaur faced a nervous wait on Thursday after his 7-6(3), 6-3 win against Taylor Fritz. Alcaraz’s evening triumph against Musetti ultimately sent the Aussie through.

Heartbreak

“I have dealt with a fair bit of heartbreak recently, so it was good to finally get a win here in Turin,” De Minaur said after earning his first Top 10 win of the season outside team events. “I have worked really hard so it was good to get some positive feedback or a positive reward for the hard work, so I am very happy with the performance.”

The first semi-final will be played at 15:30 and the second will start at 21:30.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg