Defending champion Jannik Sinner reached the semifinals of the ATP Finals with a 6-4 6-3 win over two-time winner Alexander Zverev on Wednesday, with Ben Shelton eliminated after losing earlier to Felix Auger-Aliassime in the same group. Italy's Sinner extended his indoor hardcourt winning streak to 28 matches, but victory over his German rival was not as comfortable as the scoreline suggests, with the world No 2 under pressure early in both sets.
Yet, it wasn't going to be easy, given that Zverev was the one standing in the way. The world No. 3 has been absolutely untouchable in this setting, going undefeated as a member of Team Europe in the five previous Laver Cups that he's played. The German also boasts a decided head-to-head advantage 8-2 over the Australian, who was a last minute replacement for Team World after American Frances Tiafoe bowed out due to injury.